Rescued chicken in nyc

[Susan Fleming]

hello! Our dog found a chicken on the side of our busy street last night. It’s a bit insane as we live in Brooklyn and chicken farming isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of nyc. She was alone and pretty docile and looked on the verge of walking straight into traffic so we took her in and put her in a large cardboard box filled with fall leaves and put her in the garage for the night. She seems to have enjoyed it and I just got her up to go peck around our backyard. Can you all tell from the attached photo if she seems healthy? Is there anything I should look out for? any thoughts on what kind she is? I just ordered a bunch of supplies, like a coop, but wanted to see what you all thought. I have long wanted a chicken, and one seems to have found me.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would look at her eyes daily for any bubbles or foam, or any mucus from her nostrils, swelling on her face or around eyes, as well as frequent sneezing. Those are all signs of a respiratory disease which are contagious and can be lifelong in chickens. Her crop should be empty in the morning, and gradually fill up during the day with food and water. If it doesn’t empty by morning after going all night without food, she may have a crop problem. Look at the bottoms of her foot pads for any dark scabs called bumblefoot. Her vent area where droppings come out of the tube near the opening for her eggs, should be clean. Watch for any problems walking, drooping wings. She has some runny diarrhea which may or may not be normal. She should have some solid dropping and a but of white urates which is the uric acids from the kidneys. She should be on a layer or all flock feed as 90% of her diet. Limit treats. If you have a vet willing to do a fecal float, you could gather some fresh droppings in a ziplock bag to be tested for coccidiosis and worms. Good luck with your new chicken.

 

[Strawberry74]

Hi and welcome! That is kind of you to rescue her. She doesn't look like she feels great. Her stance is haunched which is an indication a chicken doesn't feel well. Her poop is also very watery which is another indication. Her comb is nice and bright so that is good. You well want to take a flashlight and check her bottom area and belly for mites or lice as well.

Is she eating any chicken feed and drinking water? You could offer her a scrambled egg (no seasoning) and add electrolytes to her water to give her a boost.

She is a very pretty girl. I hope she bounces back quickly. In the near future you will want to get her a couple friends. She will be happier. I always say at least 3 or 4 chickens to avoid a lonely chicken should you lose one.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

She looks like she might be a Speckled Sussex. Very pretty. I wish her well!

 

[Eggcessive]

She doesn’t look like a speckled sussex to me, but she could be a mix or another breed with a straight comb. I agree looking at her skin by parting feathers under her vent and belly and under wings, to look for mites, lice or their egg s is a good idea. Permethrin garden dust can treat either of those.