abandoned chickens

[kc9jen]

My neighbor ha abandoned 6 hens and 1 rooster. The living conditions are deplorable. The coop has about 4 inches of straw manure and 2 dead birds packed inside. The birds are still trying g to use the nesting boxes but there's barely room. They are free ranging the yard and occasionally come over to our place as well. I am new to chickens and had planned to have a small flock one day.
I am concerned about using the coop again if I rehome these birds. Is it safe to powerwash and disinfect it? Also what about the birds. Do I need to treat them with something? Any advice would be great!

 

[BradnKellie]

I don't think reusing the coop is a problem. I would power wash it out but personally, I don't like using chemicals near the chickens. Once it is washed out, it should be perfectly usable when it drys.

The first thing I would do is get rid of the dead birds and block the entry so that the others can't get in until it has been cleaned.

 

[chardob]

I take it you have no chickens of your own at this time? Also, are the birds displaying any symptoms of disease - coughing, sneezing, runny noses or eyes, worms in the poo, etc?

 

[kc9jen]

Actually the chickens act and look healthy. I do not have any chickens at this time but this could be my start. I was just concerned about the health issues for them from their awful environment. I am sure they have not had any vet care. And I have no idea what they have been getting fed. I have a nice location for them and thought they might adjust ok since they visit my property sometimes. What should I look for as far as health problems go? I can power wash but was concerned about any infectious problems it might harbor fornthe chickens or me.

 

[chardob]

If they look and act normally, I would say go for it. I'm certain they would be better off with you than they are now. Also, aside from parasites, there is nothing a chicken gets at this time that is communicable to humans.

 

[wood&feathers]

There are things that we can get from chickens (pinkeye and histoplasmosis come quickly to mind), but using a pressure washer is the safest way to do things. It is much safer than dry methods, where you inhale poop dust. Even a mask is small protection then.

 

[Fly 2006]

Just want to say, well done to you, I hope you get the chickens over to you, it sounds as if you will give them a great new home and you know that you can come on here and get all the chicken keeping info you need, hopefully your new girls will repay your kindness with lots of tasty eggs, hope the cockerel is friendly! LOL X

 

[kc9jen]

Thankyou so much. I think I will try to power wash the coop and get them comfortable and look for a better coop later.

 

[froggiesheins]

Do check them for external bugs mites/lice. You can use Frontline Plus to keep the bugs away. one drop under each wing. If they have bugs on them now, you can dust them in Sevin OR give them a bath and blow dry......BRAVO to you for taking them under your wing!

 

[kc9jen]

Here are a few of the chickens! I was able to get fairly close to them as they were hungry and thirsty. Noticed that one has scabby areas just in front of her wings just below her neck and she was picking at herself. The rooster seemed the most interested in me, but he was very polite (if you could say that about a chicken). I hope to go out later and feed them again. We will be cleaning the coop this weekend and hopefully moving them. Good news! They were not even worried or bothered by my dog! They are used to them I think as the neighbor had several. My dog didn't care about them either. We all just sat in the grass and watched each other. Thank You for supporting me in this new venture. I am excited to show them how well they can be treated! I hope my picture came across, though you may have to crane your head to see it