Rescuing neglected chickens...help!

[77horses]

Just in case.
If you have to 'encourage' them to eat and drink at the outset, this is a very helpful article, particularly if you have to administer any medication.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

Thank you for sharing this super helpful article!

 

[77horses]

Photos of your shed?
I don't think you will have to provide additional heat. The shed will provide shelter and protection from wind/elements.
If the shed is ready, add a deep layer of bedding - pine shavings, straw - your choice. You've done this before...you got this!
You have a heated waterer, all you need is a feeder.
For roosts, depends on the health of the 4yr old ladies, if they can roost a simple 2X4 secured across a corner or the back wall will be sufficient.
Nesting boxes? You can buy those premade - look at TSC or online. A deep dish pan or two in the corner will work too.

You can use a Permethrin based poultry dust or spray to treat for lice/mites. Since it's winter,

dust is better, imho. As for worms...you can use Safeguard liguid goat wormer or Valbazen. We can help you with the dosages.

For food. They are 4yr old hens - you can feed layer feed or an all flock feed. All you want is a nutritionally balanced poultry feed. If they are in poor condition, poultry vitamins in the water for a few days or you can add them to a wet mash. It takes time for chickens to lose condition and it will take time to build them back up. It's tempting to want to get treats/offer goodies, but they need to eat their normal feed for the most part. Provide oyster shell and poultry grit free choice.

As for not having a run, that may be a little more difficult - what is your yard situation - do you a fenced in yard?

Once you get them settled, inspect each one. As you see any issues/concerns, post them, ask questions. We will try to help you in any way we can.

Thank you so much! Lots of helpful info. I can always count on y’all- there’s so much wisdom on BYC go go around!
Attached above are some photos of the shed, taken today.

We have plenty of yard space, but we also have a pair of hawks that nest in the woods literally right behind our house. We just moved here almost a year ago, but according to the neighbors they’re known for snatching chickens from when someone else down the road had a flock a few years ago. According to their range, they do fly south for the winter, and I haven’t seen them since early November, so free ranging would probably be fine until it warms up. But we do live kinda out in “the sticks” so I definitely worry about wildlife.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

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Thank you so much! Lots of helpful info. I can always count on y’all- there’s so much wisdom on BYC go go around!
Attached above are some photos of the shed, taken today.

We have plenty of yard space, but we also have a pair of hawks that nest in the woods literally right behind our house. We just moved here almost a year ago, but according to the neighbors they’re known for snatching chickens from when someone else down the road had a flock a few years ago. According to their range, they do fly south for the winter, and I haven’t seen them since early November, so free ranging would probably be fine until it warms up. But we do live kinda out in “the sticks” so I definitely worry about wildlife.

Looks like perfect makings for a coop to me!! You will need to add ventilation up higher. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, especially when it's cold, but you want air flow in the coop for sure. I'm not a coop builder, so...you could also ask the fine folks on the coop/run forums for some ideas. There's plenty of people that do "shed conversions". I would also think for the time being you crack a window for air flow too, position your roosting bars where the hens are not in a draft. Cover the windows with hardware cloth to prevent entry from predators. This way you are ready for the warm months too
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/c...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

If the Hawks have migrated that may buy you some time for aerial predators, but you will need to make some provisions for fox, coyote, DOGS, etc.. As you know, everything seems to like chicken.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Maybe a hoop run?

Nice shed/coop!
WINDOWS!!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Maybe a hoop run?

Nice shed/coop!
WINDOWS!!!

Great idea!

 

[TropicalBabies]

I will post photos for sure! Planning on getting them on Thursday- lots of prepping to do before then!

I'm so excited for you...them...US!!!

 

[TropicalBabies]

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Thank you so much! Lots of helpful info. I can always count on y’all- there’s so much wisdom on BYC go go around!
Attached above are some photos of the shed, taken today.

We have plenty of yard space, but we also have a pair of hawks that nest in the woods literally right behind our house. We just moved here almost a year ago, but according to the neighbors they’re known for snatching chickens from when someone else down the road had a flock a few years ago. According to their range, they do fly south for the winter, and I haven’t seen them since early November, so free ranging would probably be fine until it warms up. But we do live kinda out in “the sticks” so I definitely worry about wildlife.

Wow! Their chicken luck has turned- Yeeehaaa! Beautiful start to a great place or is it a great start to a beautiful place?!!

 

[micstrachan]

This is so exciting! They will be in good hands with you! I agree you will need to crack a window and keep the roosts below it. Cover the window with hardware cloth.
Before we built our run, we put stakes in the ground, wrapped chicken wire around it, and only let them out when we could be right there in the space to deter predators. I would not let them out free and unsupervised for one moment.l with the nesting hawks right there.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

You chicken people are always looking for a feel-good story........

But yeah, since you already wanted chickens and planned to have them, why not pick up these 4 who are in dire need of help. Just makes sense.

 

[Kris5902]

Thank you for taking on these poor hens! Remember not to think too harshly of the previous owner, it sounds like they were doing ok until things started to degrade all around. We are all going to just get older and face the challenges that bring with it too. So glad your coworker reached out to you for help... it sounds like these girls will be in very competent, loving hands going forward!