Inherited Chickens

Drocrva said:

I had moved into a new neighborhood and about two months into it one of my neighbors passed away suddenly. He was a kinda a loner and had 7 chickens. Very cool guy. Plowed my backyard for my garden. When he passed Animal Control was going to take the chickens away so I stepped up and took them in. Crazy thing was I was going to get chickens and had just started building a coop. My other neighbor told me that he had gotten them from southern states in the spring. I have had them for about a month. I have been feeding them the same stuff as the former owner. Southern States All Grain Layer/Breeder I also was mixing in some dried corn from the garden. They roam around my yard about and acre and I put them in a coop at night and when I go to work. I am currently working on a run for them as they have roamed into my neighbors yard. They seem happy. One of my friends who claims to know a ton about chickens said I would not get eggs till next year. So I really never concentrated on nests. Well low and behold today I went out and one of the chickens had popped out a small egg and there was some "afterbirth" type stuff coming out of its rear. I went to get some gloves to help it along and when I came back the afterbirth had detached itself from the rear. The little girl looks ok but I want opinions. So my questions are as follow...

Is that normal to have "afterbirth" when a chicken lays and egg?
I'm not sure what you saw, but I have never seen anything after my chickens have laid an egg. I wouldn't worry about it unless it continues. Hopefully someone with more experience than I have will address this.

Does it happen every time or is it just because its the chickens first?

Am I feeding them correctly? Making sure food is available all the time. And is it the correct food.
I do feed mine free choice, and they free range. I think you're doing just fine with feed - it's nice for them that you didn't change it. (Chickens hate change, and the change in their location is already a big deal to them. They'd survive a change in feed, they just wouldn't like it.)

Do I need to give them anything? I read on here about grit and calcium. I will go tomorrow and get them. Anything else?
If you're feeding a layer feed, they should already be getting calcium. I wouldn't buy more. Honestly, I don't buy feed mine grit, either but like I said - they free range.

I have posted photos below. Do they "look" healthy?
From what I can see in the photos, they look healthy to me.

One of them is white with feathers on its legs and five toes. She is very vocal. Can anyone tell me what kinda chicken she is because she is much smaller than the others. Is this normal for that type of chicken? I call her Yoda because I thought she was stupid at first, but now I realize she is the smartest chicken.
Can't help you there. Look up Silkie Chickens. I think they have five toes, but I'm not sure. They're too much of a froo-froo chicken for me.

What do I need to build for them to lay eggs in?
It doesn't have to be anything fancy. A 5-gallon bucket on its side, a milk crate on its side, a 12"x12" box... Just about anything will do.

None of them look like the roosters I have seen in Mexico but hey I am no expert. So are any roosters? If so what do I do with it/them?
I can't say that I saw any that look like a rooster, but if I were to suspect, it would be the one in the 5th picture down, with the bigger, redder comb and wattles. But it's a hen until you hear it crow! If you do end up with a rooster, you need to find out if they're allowed where you live. If so, then see what kind of personality it develops. If it's nice, doesn't challenge you, charge you, or try to flog you, you might enjoy having it around. If it becomes human-aggressive, eat it or give it to someone who will.


I really love these little guys and they have brought me much joy over the past weeks. I found my neighbor when he passed. It was pretty traumatic. As strange as it sounds the chickens have really helped get through it.
I'm sorry you had to be the one to find your neighbor. I've been an EMT for 30 years, and while it becomes a bit easier, it's never easy for me to deal with a death. I think that taking and caring for his chickens is a wonderful thing for you to do in his honor and memory. It doesn't sound strange at all that they have helped you get through it. Being responsible for another living creature (or creatures, in your case) can be very therapeutic. Enjoy the chickens, but don't over think it. Their basic needs are food, water, and shelter from the elements and predators. Being in a residential area does not mean you don't have predators. You may never have seen a coon, fox, skunk or coyote in your yard, but now that you have chickens, they'll find you. Don't use chicken wire. Cover your run. Wishing you all the best with your new birds, and I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor. Sounds like he was a good one, as you were to him.

Here are photos. Please give me your opinions on "Managing my Flock". Thanks so much in advance for all your help.



















Derrick
Richmond Va

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Drocrva said:

Thanks a bunch for responding. Natural worrier here. I really only let them out when I am around. Working in the yard and stuff.

I am in a residential area but we have a big lot. 3+ acres.

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