The Browns’ Microsanctuary started unofficially in the early 2000s when the Brown family began adopting chickens that were listed in the newspaper classifieds as “good for the soup pot.” The family wasn’t going to have that. Instead, these chickens lived out their lives in peace at their home.
The more the microsanctuary’s primary caretaker, Temara, learned about the plight of animals, the more the focus on rescue and advocacy became enshrined. The microsanctuary still focuses on rescuing chickens and has been able to specialize in caregiving for some of the more difficult medical needs. The stories of the feathered souls that make up the Brown family are lovingly shared online.
One rescued rooster, Steve, became an internet celebrity in 2021, due to his immense love for his wife, Margaret. Steve, a beloved house rooster, also helped to design a comfortable pair of “crap packs” (aka chicken diapers). Now, Temara Brown sews up many copies of that design to help rescued roosters like him all around the world, so that more roosters have safe and loving homes as a member of the household.
The Microsanctuary Resource Center has been an extreme support for The Browns’ for many years. Most recently, their support helped Forrest, a little rooster who hatched with a tibiotarsal rotation — essentially his right leg was backwards from the knee down. Forrest had surgery on April 30, 2026, and now is up running around, frolicking happily like every rooster should. Previous year’s grants have supported other veterinary needs such as life-saving hormone implants for hens with reproductive diseases, purchasing medications, and additional life-saving surgeries.
Social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/thebrownsmicrosanctuary
Instagram: @temarabrown
TikTok: @temarabrown
