Thousands of chicks found abandoned inside a postal service truck for three days have gone to new homes, according to the Delaware shelter that had cared for them, with the last batch picked up on Thursday morning.

All the surviving birds, estimated as more than 5,000 chickens — it was too hard to get a specific count — plus some others like turkeys and quails, were primarily adopted by local families, rescues and farms, according to First State Animal Center and SPCA.

The chicks were part of a 12,000-bird shipment left unattended in a truck at a Delaware mail distribution center. Trapped in high temperatures without food or hydration, thousands died, according to the state Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Postal Service has said it is investigating the “process breakdown” that occurred.

For more than two weeks, the surviving birds had been cared for at an overwhelmed First State Animal Center and SPCA, said John Parana, executive director. As a no-kill operation, the shelter would not take adopters planning to use the birds for meat, Parana said. Some of the adopters took hundreds at a time, hoping for egg-laying hens, while others took them as pets.

Stephanie Bruzdzinski adopted a handful of chicks after her daughter learned about their situation.

“She was very upset and wanted to help out,” said Bruzdzinski, who was similarly shocked when she heard the news. “She doesn’t like when things aren’t getting taken care of.”

The birds originated from Pennsylvania-based Freedom Ranger Hatchery’s weekly bird shipment to clients around the country, and due to biosecurity concerns, the hatchery cannot take the chicks back, a company spokesperson said.

• The Picklr, a nationwide pickleball chain, is opening a 50,000-square-foot facility at The Grove in Newark, Delaware, in late August or early September.
• The facility will feature 12 championship-sized courts, a pro shop, food and drinks, AI-powered coaching technology, and warm-up/cool-down areas.
• Membership options will be available, including a Founder Membership with a lifetime discounted rate, as well as drop-in fees for non-members.

Delaware’s pickleball craze is not slowing down anytime soon.

Pickleball facilities make up some of the largest lot sizes in the state’s shopping centers, with at least three openings coming in this year alone.

The next major pickleball facility is expected to open at The Grove in Newark by the end of the summer, expanding its nationwide reach to Delaware for the first time.

Here are the details.

The Picklr coming to Newark

The Picklr, a nationwide chain of pickleball facilities, plans to open a facility at The Grove at the end of this summer.

It was first reported in summer 2024 that The Picklr would take over half of the former Kmart, with the original targeted opening date in May.

While some construction setbacks delayed the project’s opening, representatives working on the Newark opening confirmed recently that they are looking toward an opening between late August and early September.

The Picklr will take over 50,000 square feet of space in the former Kmart space, connected to the incoming Newark location of Lefty’s Alley and Eats.

What will The Picklr in Newark offer?

According to Joshua Cline with The Picklr, the space will house 12 championship-sized courts. Ball machines are also available for interested players.

The interior of Newark’s Picklr location will be similar to the chain’s other 80-plus locations. Walls are black to help players keep track of balls, and play and sound baffling is installed so the racket of the racquets don’t distract other players.

The Newark location will be equipped with a fully-stocked pro shop open to members and non-members to purchase pickleball gear. Food and drink options also will be available.

A system will be in place for players looking to improve skills. It uses artificial intelligence to track users’ technique. Customers who opt-in can download a mobile app for immediate coaching feedback on drills and matches. Access to the technology will cost between $29 to $39 per month, according to Cline.

Warm up and cool down areas will be provided, featuring injury-prevention tools like foam rollers, mats for stretching and other warm-up equipment.

A community room can be rented for private events.

What will it cost to join The Picklr?

Tiered memberships will be made available. Among the options are unlimited memberships, which include access to any of The Picklr’s locations around the country, free court reservations, unlimited play in competitive and club tournaments, as well as monthly guest passes and clinic passes.

Rates are not finalized for the Newark location’s monthly membership options, according to Cline.

The first members to sign up for a membership will receive a Founder Membership, which locks in a lifetime discounted monthly rate. Sign-ups are available online now to be notified of when Founder Memberships are up for sale.

Drop-in fees for non-members are $30, which allows for a full day of use at the location. Non-members also can play in competitive tournaments or other events for a $30 registration fee.

When will the Picklr be open in Newark?

Expect events and programming when The Picklr opens. Cline said locations usually host three tournaments per month, including competitive events and more casual games and challenges.

The Picklr’s hours will be from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day.

The Picklr is just one of many pickleball facility openings and investments being made in Delaware. Most recently Dill Dinkers opened its doors in Newport in April and Bounce Pickleball opened its eight-court facility in Wilmington at 510 Justison St. on Feb. 1.

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What else is coming to The Grove?

The Grove in Newark continues to add more retail options in attempt to become the next premier shopping and recreational destination in the city.

Lefty’s Alley and Eats is taking over the other half of the former Kmart, occupying 41,000 square feet of space that will be filled with 20 bowling lanes, ax throwing, TopGolf simulators, darts, a pub and a stage for live music.

According to Lefty’s website, the Newark location is estimated to open in early 2026, rather than this fall as originally planned.

The 1950s-style diner Nifty Fifty announced it would occupy the former KFC next to the Wawa on site at The Grove. The chain specializes in burgers, sandwiches and milkshakes and boasts over 100 soda flavors.

Administrators for the location’s social media pages have stated that the Newark location is looking to open “this summer.”

The Grove’s Coldstone Creamery, located next to the First Watch and Starbucks, is open.

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.