Erica Camp
Founder/HENthusiast
Raised on a farm, Erica saved her first chicken at a very young age. Chiquita [NIP]* was a meat chicken who Erica begged her father to buy so she could give her a life of happiness. Erica's father gave in and the rest is history. Chiquita ended up being an amazing pet who gifted Erica with precious memories she will cherish forever, and taught her early on that chickens are more than just products for human consumption.
After serving in the military Erica found herself in a dark place battling PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Once she was finally able to have the chickens she'd been desperately waiting for, they became her therapy. If chickens help her, she believes with all her heart they can help others too.
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Disabled veterans like Erica have an understanding and feeling of purpose when saving lives and watching them flourish – no matter what kind. We get it. Once our military service is over or compromised, we're considered "spent" and no longer valuable to the organization, so we're disposed of.
Erica started the journey to help "spent" hens by looking for a group in Missouri that re-homes them as they near "retirement." Unfortunately she was unable to find any such group nearby or in neighboring states, so she decided to start something herself: Second-Hen'd.
"Spent" girls JoHen Egghart [NIP]*, Rose White [NIP]*, Violet Byrd [NIP]*, Zinnia Byrd [NIP]*, Blossom Poulet, Bubbles Poulet, Buttercup Poulet, Eggy Peck, Nitro Hen, Reba McHentire, and Dixie Chick have made such impressions on Erica that they became part of her feathered family.
Erica and Ruby
Jo and Rose
Rebecca and Chewbawka
Ghost
Vice President/HENthusiast
Rebecca Clark
Growing up surrounded by chickens, Rebecca has always had a soft spot for the lovely birds. A photographer by trade, capturing chickens whenever she can is a highlight of her job. Their playful personalities both in front of the camera and in her backyard make for some delightful opportunities!
Rebecca first learned of Second-Hen'd through a friend who knew she deeply loved chickens and felt certain she'd want to be involved. After meeting Erica and learning of all the hard work that has gone into the organization, she jumped at the chance to volunteer. What better way to give back than to find forever homes for "spent" hens while also helping those who find chickens therapeutic? Upon consistently going above-and-beyond her volunteer duties, Rebecca was offered the role of Vice President – which she gladly accepted.
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Rebecca has also added a number of "spent" hens to her flock (hey, it happens!): Ghost [NIP]*, Rebawka Cluck [NIP]*, Ravhen [NIP]*, Ducky, Henaerys Targaryhen [NIP]*, Nemo [NIP]*, Phoenix [NIP]*, Clara [NIP]*, Lotus, and Spike.
Teagen Soehngen
Secretary/HENthusiast
Teagen began raising chickens as part of her and her husband's homesteading journey. The main draw was the idea of fresh backyard eggs paired with her very own garden-grown veggies. After a few years of keeping chickens, she decided to expand her flock by adopting some "spent" hens through Second-Hen'd. Teagen had learned about the non-profit on social media and couldn't wait to get involved!
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Already a HENthusiast, Teagen started by volunteering her time to help any special needs birds acquired by Second-Hen'd. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before she became a valued member of the board. The best part of this work for her has been the loyal companionship she's found among fellow chicken lovers. To this day Teagen prefers caring for our special needs ladies, and as a result often ends up as a "foster fail." The "spent" girls that are now part of her feathered family include Musical [NIP]*, Opera [NIP]*, Gem Berry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Maple, Willow, Spark [NIP]*, and Redbud.
Teagen and Musical
*NIP = Nest in Peace