
You've already been given some ideas on how to handle the neighbor's chickens, so I'll just say hello and hope you hang around (we can always make room for another animal lover)!
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Inconsiderate as all get-out because chickens poop EVERYWHEREWelcome to BYCIt's really nice of you to sign up out of concern for your neighbour's chickens! I see you and someone else mentioned above that the hen may be molting and this is the time of year for it, so that is the likely cause. As for them visiting and messing on your property… Have you mentioned this to your neighbours and asked if it's possible for them to confine the birds somehow? (Which they really should be doing. Chickens are lovely, but having them free ranging all over the neighbourhood is inconsiderate)
@staceyj Y oh are a hoot!!
I too say.
I am thinking a bit outside the box.... Or rather about ways to get them INSIDE a box.
You mention finances being tight so here is my idea....
Pallets are often available free, craigslist may have a dog house available free or nearly free. Perhaps offering to help the neighbor build a pallet coop and run can help confine the birds AND form a friendship.
I am thinking the pallets could even BE the fencing. Maybe painted really cute or colorful?
Maybe let the neighbor know you would be sad to see the birds hit by a car or eaten by a predator like a hawk or raccoon.
Welcome! Whether you have chickens or not, you've come to the right place.
May I say high fiveto you?
You are an awesome animal lover and considerate neighbor!
Come live next door to me!
I have a high fence and keep my birds home.
I'm not an expert on these things but encourage you to have faith in the people here who will help guide you.
YES, it's possible these birds just showed up.
Unfortunately, people (i.e.jerks) dump unwanted chickens all the time.
Yes! It IS molting season and from what I understand a bird can loose a few feathers or look like they spent the night in a rock tumbler.
...and it can take from 1 to many months for the feathers to grow back.
...and that they need lots of protein to regenerate those feathers which it turns out....
YOU ARE PROVIDING, in the form of cat food!
Canned cat food which is essential for Feral cats to keep their immune system strong is also used as a tempting treat for sick or injured birds.
Hang in there til the experts get here.They'll know what to do!
Watch out, if you hang out here long enough you might wind up falling in love with chickens too.
It happened to us!
-sometimes I crack me up
I think a pallet run would be quite easy in the grand scope of chicken housing.
It would mean carefully selecting the pallets for like size. If you stand them up next to each other the runners can be screwed together. That can be a pain if you don't have a drill and good driver. Pre-drilling the holes with a 1/8th inch bit makes it much easier.
What part of the country are you in? That will help determine how much weather protection they need.
It is possible that someone on your states thread may be able to help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/where-am-i-where-are-you.26/
That link should help you find your states thread.
I wouldn't squirt them. They should not require much feed since there is just 2 of them. The bigger issue would be a 50 pound bag spoiling before they could eat it.
Honestly most cats will not tangle with a grown chicken. You feed the cat so it is not like he is starving and forced to be overly brave.
Do let us know where you are located so we can give the best advice.