The Delaware Department of Agriculture and the First State Animal Center will be looking for homes for thousands of bird recently found at a United States Postal Service distribution center.

The USPS Delaware Processing and Distribution Center called the Department of Agriculture May 2 about an “undeliverable box of baby birds,” prompting the department to transfer the boxes of birds to First State Animal Center, officials said. Officials said the birds included chicks, turkeys, geese, quail and chukars, all shipped April 29 from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Pennsylvania. Due to an inadequate environment for an extended period, officials said, about 4,000 birds were deceased at the time of arrival.

Officials said they contacted the Freedom Ranger Hatchery - a National Poultry Improvement Plan-certified, avian influenza, and pullorum-typhoid clean hatchery - and they are unsure of how all the birds ended up in Delaware. As many as 2,000 of these birds were labeled for delivery to Spokane, Wash. The hatchery is currently investigating this matter, officials said.

In all, officials said, 10,000 birds had been meant for shipping across the country.

“Anyone interested in adopting any of these birds, look for an announcement from First State Animal Center (fsac-spca.org) early next week. That later announcement will provide information about adoption and how to provide a loving home for these animals in need,” officials said in a press release. “Our swift intervention ensured that the vulnerable animals were rescued. The coordinated effort highlighted the department's commitment to animal welfare. Delaware Department of Agriculture is working closely with First State Animal Center to ensure that the chicks are rehabilitated and eventually rehomed to responsible caretakers, reinforcing the ongoing dedication to safeguarding animal rights and fostering a compassionate society.”

Officials said the collaboration between the state agency and local humanity-based organization exemplifies the impact of collective action in addressing animal abandonment and neglect. By fostering partnerships and encouraging public participation, officials said, it sets a precedent for other regions to follow in their efforts to combat animal mistreatment and promote ethical animal husbandry practices.