We have a special needs hen (Cochin mix maybe smallish, or large for a bantam) that has ended up in her own coop. It's a 24" square hutch that is covered- it has a wire bottom. We originally isolated her because we thought she might have something that could spread to the rest of the flock. Turns out it seems she must have been injured and has some nerve problems. He legs are weak, but she's otherwise fine. She seems to like being our "front yard" chicken, or as my daughter caller her, the "guard chicken." She free ranges most of the day now, and usually chooses to stay in the front, but sometimes joins the other chickens in the back yard. The rest of the time she poops on my front steps, cleans the bugs out of my bushes and otherwise acts like a socialized yard ornament. We are far from the road, and she's never even made it half way there.
Now, we're in central Florida, so we don't have major cold weather, but I've never had a chicken alone. Is she fine if we put down hay and cover the cage if we get a hard frost or colder? How about a little enclosed nest box? We have thought about seeing if she will adopt some chicks next time we get some since she is so very calm and timid, but that won't work till Feb or so.
Now, we're in central Florida, so we don't have major cold weather, but I've never had a chicken alone. Is she fine if we put down hay and cover the cage if we get a hard frost or colder? How about a little enclosed nest box? We have thought about seeing if she will adopt some chicks next time we get some since she is so very calm and timid, but that won't work till Feb or so.
