my neighbors chicken

[csaylorchickens]

Kind of off topic, but my neighbor next to me has a chicken, one chicken. They keep her in a tiny pen, about 3x4 area and they do not let her out. Every morning when I let my girls out of the coop, I can hear her shuffle around and she starts to squawk a bit like she wants to join the hen party. I feel bad for her because that is a small space for a chicken and lonely being the only one. I think when I chicks next ill just pop a question over to them and see if they want one

 

[Wynette]

Many folks don't let their poultry out if there are predators around (and most every place on the planet has predators of some type). Try not to be judgmental. 3' x 4' is not ideal, but it's enough for one hen. It's nice of you to consider offering them a chick; however, they'd need to increase the space if they add another.

 

[microchick]

X2 Wynette

I would be more concerned about the hen being alone. She needs companionship.

As much as I would love to release our flock to tend the millions of little grasshoppers we have right now, I can't do it. Several weeks ago I went out to tend the bachelors in their pen and spooked a juvenile red tailed hawk from a tree 50 feet away. I'm sure he was scoping out what he thought was an easy meal, ripe for picking. If our girls and their protectors had been out, I am certain we would have one less chicken right now.

Freedom is nice, but not when it endangers their lives. If you are on good terms with your neighbor, maybe this would be a chance to approach them with some education about chickens being flock animals that are the happiest when they are part of a group.Plus I don't know what your winters are like but that girl is going to need some friends to cuddle up to when cold weather comes.

 

[csaylorchickens]

Yeah, I get the predator thing for sure. I have my girls in a run and they have netting even above them for guard against hawks. I do not want to be judgmental. Just my thoughts.
They used to have two hens but one died.
winter can get cold here. I am in cali, so never below zero, or even 12 degrees that is.
Maybe when get a bigger coop I can give them the one I have now?