Hi from WA state!

[toad37]

Hello!

I'm not only introducing myself, but asking for advice on what to do with these "strays" in my neighborhood.

Can anyone tell me what I have here? I think it's a mom with 4 or 5 "teenagers"?

I'm afraid if I don't adopt them soon they might get hurt, or worse.

Also, I gave them some backyard bird seed that I have. Is that ok for today?
I think they find food around but not sure! I also put some water and will see if they drink it.

I'm near Kent, WA and love not only animals but working in the yard! Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Bird seed is fine, but a balanced chicken feed would be even better. You have a game hen and her brood of partially grown chicks.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens likely they came from a neighbor but hardware cloth is best choice if you want to keep them this is our state thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...me-together-washington-peeps.717207/page-4715

 

[toad37]

Welcome to BYC. Bird seed is fine, but a balanced chicken feed would be even better. You have a game hen and her brood of partially grown chicks.

Thank you, sourland! After a quick search it looks like the mom lays eggs and then I'm assuming the females of the brood will lay eggs as well?

I will probably figure out how to get them to safety and just raise them hopefully.

 

[toad37]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens likely they came from a neighbor but hardware cloth is best choice if you want to keep them this is our state thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...me-together-washington-peeps.717207/page-4715

Thanks, Penny! I posted on the state thread.

 

[sourland]

Yes, any female young will also lay eggs. They are not prolific layers, and tend to lay a clutch set on them and hatch chicks.

 

[toad37]

Yes, any female young will also lay eggs. They are not prolific layers, and tend to lay a clutch set on them and hatch chicks.

Thanks again, Sourland! OK, last question... what should I do? I would love to get some prolific layers because that would be the main reason for me to raise them. I have no idea if backyard chickens also eventually get used for their meat? I'm assuming some farmers do and some don't? Ok, I start researching! thanks!

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi Toad. Welcome to BYC. Many fowl folks use their birds for dual purpose, eggs and meat. It’s a personal choice. But beware. They can be pretty lovable. I started out with dual purpose and now just allow them to retire here.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal community!
Best wishes and Be well!

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you here!