An egg producer in Chico is closing its doors, not only putting 1,800 chickens out of work but threatening their lives, says a Northern California animal sanctuary.

Animal Place, with shelters in Vacaville and Grass Valley, is looking for would-be owners of some sassy red hens. There are limits to how many birds the sanctuary can keep, officials say, so they need to find new homes for the flock in Chico by April 4.

The sanctuary is holding adoption events at its Vacaville quarters on the next three Fridays. Details are on the group’s website.

The Sonoma Humane Society is helping coordinate the adoptions.