Rescued Bantam, Advice Needed

[Zadizzle]

Hello All,

I rescued a bantam, not sure what breed quite yet, perhaps an Old English? She is really tiny, smaller than I think she should be but I think she is still youngish? All I know about her past is that she was living IN an apartment with an older, disabled man and all he fed her was table scraps, pancakes in particular I guess. She's never been with other chickens or lived outside but is acclimating well so far.

She is so docile, sweet, kind, friendly to humans but a little aggressive/defensive towards my other hens, they are separated at night for the time being. My main concerns are her health, do you guys thinks she looks OK? Should I have her checked out? My second concern is how vocal she is in the mornings, is there any possibility I have a rooster? I really don't think so but after this morning I have to question it. I have only had her a few days and know little about this particular breed. I am doing my research but I thought I would also post here to see what others had to say. Thanks!

Here's Rosie!

 

[BantamLover21]

Looks like a Serama to me--the smallest chicken breed in the world. And she appears to be healthy!

 

[ashtree]

Maybe a serama? But the comb looks weird to me. As far as health concerns, is she sneezing, labored breathing, whats her poop like? Also check her over for mice and lice. I personally isolate for two weeks then put a rooster that i intend on culling/eating in with the isolated bird for another week or 2. If neither shows signs of illness I feel confident shes neither sick nor a carrier. There are always dangers to taking in adult birds. It's not something I would want to do but have done before without complications. Good luck! She's a cutie!

 

[Zadizzle]

She is not sneezing, her breathing seems fine, she's eating and has really been enjoying her new diet of actual chicken food. Initially her poop looked dry. I don't think she was really eating or drinking enough in her previous home. It seems to have changed over the last couple days and now looks pretty similar to the other hens' poop. I wish I knew more about age and history. Her previous owner bought her at a flea market. I am not sure if she is supposed to be full grown by now or even how big she should be even if she was. She's a little mystery chicken. It's almost comical how much bigger my 8 week old chicks are than her. Tiny little Rosie, I really hope she thrives with us. She is separated for the most part, She's in a different coop but she has been pecking around the yard with the other chickens. They tend to keep their distance though, she is a feisty little thing and has been running after them!

So, is there any shadow of doubt that she is a hen? She is really is loud in the mornings, it sounds like a weaker version of a crow and I am wondering what the heck that is all about?

 

[mlrod1914]

You have a beautiful bird. Very good of you to rescue it. I don't know the breed so I cant comment. But wow! what a stunner. gorgeous.