Need advice for chicken found in my yard?

[Mrkngpen]

I live in a suburban/rural area outside of Albany, NY. For the past two weeks, a chicken has been in my yard. Eating from fallen bird seeds and resting under pine trees. I found out from online that it is a Speckled Sussex hen.

I bought some chicken food pellets and put out a water dish. But as winter approaches, I know it won't survive on it's own. I have posted a Found ad on Craigslist but is there anything else I can do?

 

[sunflour]

Chickens won't last long on their own, they are at the bottom of the food chain and have no means of defense. If you plan to try to keep it then you'll need to decide how to provide care, shelter and protection. One chicken is difficult, they are happier with a flock of 3-4 or more. If you need help with the how to's, there's loads of info on this site. Feel free to post specific questions.

If you don't plan to keep it, try listing it as free on craig's list.

 

[deacons]

Given your description of where you live, could you actually drive up and down your road and talk to anyone who has a farm setup to see if a) they lost it or b) they would take it? It doesn't seem like it would have wandered extremely far from home alone. I have heard of people dumping animals in rural areas though if they don't want them- if it's a rooster, I think that could be a possibility. I agree though, it probably can't be left to just live on its own and stay alive for too long. As my husband always says, he feels sorry for chickens because just about everything finds them tasty.

 

[LakeMomNY]

I live east of Saratoga Springs and have room in my coop if you can't find the owner and need someone to take it in.

Good luck!

 

[ECBW]

Well, build a coop and run for her. Chicken syndrome is festering in you. But dont worry, it is no Ebola.

We here at BYC can help you with the coop and run by "debating" about the size and type and their pros and cons.

 

[Anuthatch]

HI,

I saw your post on Craigslist.

I live in Ballston Spa and have 4 SS hens who are just starting to lay. The one you found looks like a young hen - she's not laying yet but soon I would say. Her waddles and comb are not quite full size from what I could see in the pictures.

I LOVE my SS hens. They are so curious and interesting to watch. If you are at all thinking about chickens, this is a great breed. They are pretty easy to care for and this site has lots of help.

I'm far from an expert but I'd be happy to try and help you with any questions.

I'm not really looking to add to my flock but I have room if you need to find her a home.

Have fun!

 

[Anuthatch]

Ha! I saw on Craigslist you have 3 stray SS hens now. Sounds like you need a coop of your own!

 

[ECBW]

TS,

At dusk, follow them to see where they go to roost. This is an instict chickens have.

You can be sure that 1) they belong to someone and just free ranging. They have a home and safe from predators.
2) they are abandoned and need a safe home from predators.

If case 2), you can easily pick them up in the dark when they are sound asleep. Put and lock them in the coop for a few days. They will come to adopt the coop to be their new home and return to it every night..

 

[Anuthatch]

Good idea to follow them at dusk.

 

[Mrkngpen]

There are some updates to this situation on this page:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/231485/ny-chicken-lover/41010

Thanks all!