Rescuing neglected chickens...help!

[21hens-incharge]

For a "get you by" nest box how about a box or two from Sams or Costco or a liquor store?

 

[CCUK]

Could you reuse the nest boxes from the current coop? If they could be removed easily you could clean them up and reuse them maybe?

 

[77horses]

Could you reuse the nest boxes from the current coop? If they could be removed easily you could clean them up and reuse them maybe?

Unfortunately no, my coworker says they’re made of wood and attached directly to the inside of the coop- plus the wood is not only filthy but has a lot of rotted sections in it.
I think what I’ll do is stop by the craft store today and pick up some wooden boxes. Even the decorative ones would look nice, and would last a decent amount of time- eventually I’d like to build some out of the miscellaneous scrap wood we have leftover from house renovations, but that’s definitely more of a spring project! I’ll post what I find at the craft store later today.

 

[77horses]

For a "get you by" nest box how about a box or two from Sams or Costco or a liquor store?

That’s a good idea! I think I’m gonna stop at the craft store later today. I have a 50% coupon and I think their baskets and boxes are all on sale right now too!

 

[casportpony]

Check out this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/please-post-pictures-of-your-creative-nesting-boxes.439890/

 

[Bamabexchicks]

Been following along and maybe I missed it, but wanted to make sure you also have poultry grit for them.

 

[casportpony]

Been following along and maybe I missed it, but wanted to make sure you also have poultry grit for them.

Good suggestion!

 

[Twoleggedmotherhen]

This hits home, watching and wishing you and the girls the best of luck. Almost a year ago we took in 3 (3 year old hens, had belonged to landlord, he moved out of state), had no idea what I was getting into. (as far as being additive). They were in poor shape, very thin, shabby feathers. Within a few months they gained weight. I cleaned them up (gave baths and powdered them), they started preening. Had them checked over by a vet, thank goodness no worm overloads. Just under weight.
Now when they see any of the neighbors or the landlord's son's they scream what I call their "stranger danger" alarm . I swear they remember the ones who kicked at them.
I did have them on layer feed, but have gone to all flock feed with side of oyster shell and a side of grit. Until I got the double nesting box I used a old square clothes basket on its side, with a old dog towel covering the top and sides.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Those chickens absolutely remember who kicked at them. A lot of birds can recognize individual humans, and will remember if specific humans do things they don't like. Corvids in particular not only recognize humans, but can communicate facial features to other crows so every crow in the area knows who to watch out for.

 

[Kris5902]

Unfortunately no, my coworker says they’re made of wood and attached directly to the inside of the coop- plus the wood is not only filthy but has a lot of rotted sections in it.

Trust me, you’re better off without them! Less harborage for mites and lice and other nasties. Aside from the birds, the less you bring home of their current abode, the better. Sounds like the “vintage” coop I’m trying to remove birds from... best solution would be a can of gas and a match for the one I’ve got. With no chickens in it and careful monitoring to ensure no spreading to other buildings... a controlled coop fire in my case, and possibly the previous owner of yours from the sounds of it, would actually improve the coop!