Can I keep a chicken that's been wandering on my property?

[centrarchid]

I have experienced the issue of stray poultry where ID of owner is not known. General search in area with many neighbors that do not know each can be problematic, especially when it is difficult to catch people at home. Owing to dispersal pattern of stray poultry, generally the owner is close by; 400 yards tops. Since bird has been out multiple days, burden for owner is increased for locating lost stock. Farming community situations generally easier because of fewer potential sources. All said, all parties have some responsibility for seeing to stocks needs at least for a time.

 

[natashapevey]

I think I know who he belongs to, as there are a couple of farms within 1/4 mile who free-range nearby. However, I was forced to contain my own chickens when the neighbor complained about mine free-ranging (apparently it's against the ordinance but nobody knows that unless someone complains). So I have 10 hens and 2 ducks in a coop and run. Anyway, a lone rooster wandered onto my property about a week ago, and he's come back every day since. He's nice, he now comes when I call him and eats the scratch I throw him. I do want a rooster, (I had one before but he got mean as he matured and attacked my kids, so he was thanksgiving dinner) but I need a nice one. This one is nice.

So my question is, can I keep him? Legally? I don't mean like tie him down or anything, but my run has just a 4' fence that he could fly over if he wanted (I clip wings to keep my girls in), but can I toss him into my run and see if he wants to stay?

My other question is why would he be wandering in the first place? I'm guessing he's older and been recently displaced from his pecking order, so he may in fact be looking for another flock. But I truly have never had a chicken just appear in my yard and decide to stay (he disappears every evening but is back the next day).

thoughts?

Found this post! It’s so old but to anyone else who reads it, if a rooster moves in with your family then you get to keep him. He’s chosen a new family. I would let him roost with the girls and continue to free range during the day. I would make sure he had a great shelter and welcome him in. Wouldn’t worry about reaching out to the neighbors. If they were worried they would have been reaching out themselves!