Lost Silkie Chicken Found Hiding in Tire Pile: New Taipei Promotes Free Leg Bands to Boost Return Rates

A lost Silkie chicken was recently discovered hiding among a stacked mountain of discarded tires in the tire recycling area of an auto repair shop in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. Worried that moving the tires might injure the bird, shop employees immediately reported the situation to the New Taipei City Animal Protection and Disease Control Office for rescue. Animal protection officers arrived on-site and successfully rescued the chicken, identifying it as a pet owned by a nearby resident. The owner reclaimed the bird the following day.

The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office stated that to increase the likelihood of lost pet birds returning home, it offers free application and registration for bird-specific leg bands, helping to quickly identify owner information and ensuring lost birds can return safely.

Shop staff reported that for several days, rooster calls had been heard around the premises, but the source remained elusive. The Silkie chicken had been curled up in a narrow gap between the tires, its black feathers blending almost perfectly with the dark rubber, forming a natural camouflage. Whenever someone approached, the bird would suddenly flap its wings and dart through the tire stacks. After a careful chase, rescuers finally succeeded in capturing it.

The lost black chicken was identified as a 'Silkie,' characterized by black skin, black beak, black legs, and silky plumage. It also has fluffy head feathers, giving it an especially adorable appearance. Popular overseas as a pet chicken due to its gentle temperament, it is often called the 'pug of chickens.' In recent years, keeping pet poultry has gradually increased in popularity. Beyond parrots, unique birds such as Silkies, Call Ducks, Long-tail Chickens, and Phoenix Chickens are increasingly becoming beloved family companions.

The Animal Protection Office explained that while dogs and cats can be identified via microchips, pet birds benefit greatly from wearing specialized leg bands. To help lost birds return home quickly, the office provides free bird-specific leg bands. Owners can also order custom bands engraved with contact information from pet stores or nearby animal hospitals. If a bird accidentally flies away or escapes, members of the public or rescue personnel can use the information on the band to contact the owner, significantly increasing the chances of a successful reunion.

Additionally, the office reminds owners that in addition to proper identification, regular checks of cages, fences, and activity areas are essential to ensure they are secure. This helps prevent animals from escaping due to fright, flight, or accidents. If members of the public find birds or other animals trapped or injured, they should not attempt to capture them directly, as this could harm the animal or pose risks to themselves. Instead, they should immediately report the situation to the Animal Protection Office for professional assistance, helping to safeguard animal welfare collectively.