‘We’re at capacity’: Sonoma bird rescues still overwhelmed with rooster crisis

Several weeks after local animal sanctuaries warned they were overwhelmed with calls from residents trying to surrender roosters, geese and aging hens, the crisis hasn’t slowed — and some say it’s only getting worse.

At Sonoma Chicks Rescue and Sanctuary, founder Tania Soderman said her phone still rings daily with pleas to take in unwanted birds.

“After that last story ran, people just read the headline and saw our name,” Soderman said. “The phone started ringing off the hook. I can’t even pick it up anymore, we’re completely at capacity.”

The nonprofit sanctuary, which Soderman has operated since 2015, currently houses more than 100 birds — from chickens and ducks to injured pigeons and turkeys — cared for by Soderman and one intern.

Despite the steady stream of calls, she said few o