Injured chicken adopted from neighbour

[Aussie new mum]

Hi
This is my first chicken. I adopted it from my neighbour today - she had 5 chickens and this one is the smallest. The others have been pecking at it's head and comb and around it's eye and pecking out it's feathers on it's head. My neighbour gave me the chicken coop they used to keep the chicks in - it is a good size for 1 or 2 chickens I think. I have several questions if someone can help:
1. what can I use to help heal the chooks head
2. will the chicken be ok by itself or should I get another one to keep it company (it has been spending most of it's time hiding from the other chickens so it has been on it's own)
3. will it make the chicken feel more secure if I spend a lot of time with it
4. I currently have it under the pool deck in it's coop but think it would be better closer to the house so I can keep an eye on it - I can put the coop on grass and dirt closer to the house
5. I currently have hay in the coop and am going to put some hay in a container so the chook can crawl in - is this a good idea
6. Does the chook need to have a perch to get up off the ground.
I'm really sorry about all the questions but really want to do the right thing.
Thanks so much
Justine

 

[justusnak]

Justine....first let me say..welcome, and thank you for rescueing that poor chicken.
Now...for the wounds. Keep them clean..and apply neosporin. They should heal well. Your hen will need a companion. Chickens are flock animals..and need company. It will need a roost, to get up off the ground...they like to be high up...its instinct to try to get away from predators. I would definately keep it closer to the house..so you can keep an eye on her. Definately spen LOTS of quality time with her....and enjoy her company.
Congrats on your first chicken...can you post pics!??

 

[BayCityBabe]

Welcome, Justine!
Hang out with us here at BYC and soak it up! There's alot of knowledge on this site. You'll learn all you need.
I'd say - get that chook settled in and healed, then get a couple more chickens. Also: don't know where you live, but many of us are planning for winter already.

 

[Aussie new mum]

Hi
Just wanted to thank you guys for all your help and advice. I have renamed the chicken Lolly and am going to get her a buddy as soon as I can. I live in Australia so we are about to enter spring here. Anyway, thanks so much again and I will try and get a picture of Lolly.
Jus

 

[willkatdawson]

Welcome! Go to www.mypetchicken.com. On the bottom of the page there are free tools. They are very helpful. Check out the online book pretty basic but lots of good info. Have fun with your chicken. She will be a part of your family in no time. The eggs are just a bonus.