Chicken Showed Up on my Doorstep

So I've long wanted chickens "one day" and I'm not saying that I am prepared at all to take care of one now, but a poor chicken has shown up on my doorstep and doesn't seem inclined to leave. I don't know how to even approach a chicken or know if its friendly or not or if it wants to peck my face off.... My chicken love has always been from afar for that one day in the future when I'm less poor and then I was going to look into doing all the required research for actual care.

This poor chicken has some kind of injury. Looks like a large abscess has formed on the side of his head because of it. I believe the chicken came from a group of trailers in a lot the runs along our property. We hear their rooster crow in the morning and I've seen several chickens running around their yard. They do not have a coop or fencing. I would be surprised if they were giving them real feed. I honestly don't know. I live in a poor somewhat rural area and some of the latino families have goats and chickens and the like.

I don't have any money to take it to a vet and am not sure who to call. I've never heard of humane societies dealing with chickens? Any advice would be great. It may wander out of my yard but for right now he/she is sitting in the overgrown bed of aloe. (I live in Florida.)

Help!

This poor bird needs to be put down. If you are unable to do it yourself you need to contact animal control for your jurisdiction -- if you don't know how to get in touch with them call the non-emergency number for your local law enforcement and they can direct you.

My animal control in this county says not to call them for chickens. They say to go to the yellow pages and look for an animal removal service. I can't kill anything myself. I really just can't.

Aaaw, the poor baby!

Hey Pharasalia I totally understand that you can not do the deed yourself, nor could I. Do you have a Vet close? I think if you took the chicken to the vet and explained the situation they would probably euthanize it for you for no charge.

I do not think she will attack you.

Please let us know how you go?

I don't know where you are in FL, but down south we have Everglades Outpost in Florida City. They will take any animal or bird, regardless of it's condition. I once took a Muscovy duck that was hit by a car and paralyzed from the neck down. They humanely euthanized her after taking her for an xray, seeing that her back was broken. They do not charge, but I gave a donation. Maybe look for a bird rescue in your area also? Poor chicken, I hate to see stuff like that. Good luck.

There are ways to euthanize a chicken without human interaction such as the Dry ice method.

Oh gee that poor bird don't know how she has lived to this point.

I agree with the others, that poor bird is in sad shape. I understand your not wanting to be the one to do it...any chance one of your neighbors can do it for you? If you'd rather not ask them, maybe posting on your state thread will turn up a member close by that can help you out. This link will help you get to the FL state thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

Good luck to you and thank you for wanting to do the right thing for the chicken.

Really sorry to hear about this poor chicken. Best of luck to you!

OMG! Those people need to be investigated. They are obviously not caring for their chickens to let a bird get in that bad of shape. Death is a mercy for that poor soul. I hope you find a means to help her find peace from her obvious suffering.