Yes, there are many unwanted chickens out there. Sometimes people realize they just don't have the time to care for them. That is how I came to adopt my recent 5 newbies. A couple had received 5 chicks as Christmas gifts. They spent their first 8 weeks of life in a bathtub and then moved out to the garage. But in May, the couple realized it was more than they could handle. The pullets were roosting in trees and shrubs, no coop or pen. This was in a mountain community. They were fed once a day, when the couple would bang on a can and toss some feed on the ground. They drank their water from the same bowl as the 3 dogs.
The couple simply didn't know how to take care of chickens. They gave them to me for free, as long as they were going to a good home.
But, there is always that issue of quarantine. If you are adopting, you must quarantine for more than 2 weeks. My 5 little girls, came with Coccidiosis, which required two rounds of treatment. They also had, Tapeworm and roundworms. All were underweight for their age. At 11 months old, two of them are still on the thin side. I believe it was because of damage from their battle with Coccidiosis, that their growth is stunted. They have access to abundant feed, fresh greens and fruits 3-4 times a week, meat, cooked eggs, cooked whole grains, vitamin supplement, clean water with GSE and a large coop with a run and connecting exercise pen. They now also free range 6-7 days a week for 2-3 hours.
They were finally integrated safely, into my original flock in September. They are so happy and joyful! After all the time and effort it took to bring them to good health, I am glad I was able to give them a home where they will be appreciated and cared for.
So yes, do adopt...but, be prepared to care for them medically and nurture them to good health!
Here are four of the 5 with my 2.5 year old Black Star, in the recreation pen.
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