Random chicken shows up…male or female?

[Jromanoff]

Hello all,

I have had three hens for four years now. About a month ago, a random black chicken showed up. It was very skiddish, but I was able to take a photo. It eventually ran off and I thought nothing of it. Fast forward, I have noticed this chicken hanging out on the outside of my fence. It will not come to me, but is trying to hang out with my hens while free ranging. I am not opposed to adding to my flock, but I do not want a male. I was able to take a few more photos. Is this a male or female? And what breed?

Thank you all,

 

[alinas2010]

Aw she is molting. Maybe you could entice her to come closer to you with some scrambled egg to help her through molt. And yes, she looks like a female to me. Some others more experienced in identifying gender will come along and confirm, though. Welcome to the site!

 

[tlcmurphy]

I also believe it’s a female

 

[sourland]

female

 

[Whittni]

This is a female and looks like some sort of Laced Wyandotte with a black layer breed.

 

[redinator]

Why is it no one seems to mention the need for quarantining when a random chicken shows up on someone's property?

Maybe it's just me, but I feel inclined to mention it and not assume everyone knows the risks.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I agree with you, @redinator, but it seems kind of moot, as it's probably already been hanging out with the OP's chickens or at least running around all over the property, potentially contaminating the area OP's birds free-range on. Another consideration is, how is OP supposed to capture this stray bird, which they have already characterized as "skittish?"

 

[redinator]

I agree with you, @redinator, but it seems kind of moot, as it's probably already been hanging out with the OP's chickens or at least running around all over the property, potentially contaminating the area OP's birds free-range on. Another consideration is, how is OP supposed to capture this stray bird, which they have already characterized as "skittish?"

I guess I should consider myself lucky that I have a 6ft fence around my yard.

Honestly, IDK what I'd do if a random chicken showed up, probably bring in the house for the quarantine period . . . if it's a hen. . . rooster in the house, no thanks!

I intentionally only get eggs or chicks since I don't have the space to properly quarantine older birds.