Matteson, IL – A family-owned farm in Matteson is appealing for community support after losing 3,000 hens to a devastating bird flu outbreak. Kakadoodle Farm, known for providing chemical-free food and pasture-raised eggs, suffered the outbreak earlier this month, crippling its operations.
According to Kakadoodle’s owners, Marty and MariKate, the hens were an essential part of their farm’s mission and income. Their loss jeopardizes the farm’s ability to support employees, maintain operations, and deliver food to local families.
In response, Kakadoodle Farm launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $12,000. The funds will help rebuild the flock, support employees, and construct a biosecure chicken coop to protect future flocks. As of Wednesday, the campaign had raised $9,880, with over 120 donors contributing.
The farm is quarantined for 150 days to prevent further spread of the virus. Afterward, the owners plan to house their new flock in a safer, $60,000 high-tunnel coop designed to shield feed and hens from wild birds.
“We’re choosing to focus on what’s next,” the family stated on their fundraising page. “With your help, we’ll not only recover but continue building a brighter, healthier future for our farm and our food system.”
The community can also support Kakadoodle by ordering online through its marketplace, which usually offers eggs, grass-fed beef, and fresh greens. Every purchase helps keep the farm’s mission alive.
For more details or to donate, visit Kakadoodle’s GoFundMe campaign.
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