Thousands of baby chicks were left abandoned inside of a tractor trailer parked at a Delaware distribution center for days earlier this week. 

The approximately 10,000 hatchlings were found inside of a parked tractor trailer at a US Postal Service distribution center in New Castle, Delaware. 

According to WGAL, the birds were left inside of the trailer for three days with no food or water. Approximately 3,000 of the baby chicks died. The variety of farm birds were from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Reinholds, Pennsylvania; Fifth Day Farm in New Holland, Pennsylvania; and Reich’s Poultry Farm in Marietta, Pennsylvania. 

A representative of Freedom Hatchery says that the company has no information shedding light on why the baby chicks were left inside of the trailer, but says that more than 80 customers lost a “phenomenal” amount of money in the incident. 

The USPS has not responded to requests for comment on the incident in Delaware, but did make the following statement acknowledging shipping errors: 

“We are aware of limited instances where there has been a breakdown in our processes and procedures with this type of shipment, and we are actively investigating and identifying the cause. Local postal teams will work with affected customers to address their concerns and determine timely solutions for any issues with these shipments.”

“The U.S. Postal Service is one of just a few carriers that ship limited types of live animals, and we have established processes and procedures for the safe handling of these shipments,” USPS spokesperson Mark Lawrence said. 

The Delaware Department of Agriculture has launched an investigation into the shipping error. The First State Animal Center and SPCA are taking care of the surviving birds. Approximately half of the baby chicks are in stable condition. Once healthy, the surviving birds will be put up for adoption.