Single free ranging chicken in our yard, what to do?

[Hendeavor]

Three weeks ago, a chicken wandered into our yard and has set up shop. We have never had chickens here, so I’m not sure how we ended up the “chosen ones”. We live in a somewhat rural neighborhood. I know chickens prefer to be social, but no one in our community is claiming her. I have been reading up on chicken care, feeding her twice daily with store bought chicken food and scraps, she has a perch for night time on our front porch, I’m not interested in building a coop, but wondering if there’s anything I’m seriously missing and should be considering. I’m not sure how cold is too cold, at night, for a single chicken. We live in a moderate climate. Nights dip to the low 30’s these days with some rain or snow dustings.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I’d imagine that having access to food, water and a suitable place to roost should suffice. Predators may be an issue at some point, maybe

Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Insightful feedback on how members manage their flocks - Topic of the Week back-catalogue

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to backyard chickens!
Good luck figuring out what to do with your hen.

 

[Oolala]

I wonder where she came from but if you are happy to keep her you will need to make some type of housing for her to keep her safe, even a small dog kennel will be enough with a simple perch and a straw or wood shaving floor and a small wire covered run until you decide to either keep her for good or find her a new home. Good luck and keep us all informed on what you decide to do

 

[BDutch]

Welcome Hendeavor.

If there is a sheltered place for the night against the rain and of the ground it will be okay for her. I suppose she is free ranging. You only have to give fresh water and feed the chicken when its freezing. This way she has good chances to survive as long as there are no predators going after her.
For the chicken it would be nice to have a sister.

can you post a picture?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Without proper protection at night, something will get her sooner or later.
Have you considered just posting an ad for her to find her a new home?

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. My immediate concern is if she is roosting on your front porch - IS this an enclosed porch or open one? Predators will easily pick her off when she is sleeping. Chickens don't like to move in the dark.

 

[N F C]

Guess you've been "adopted" Have you named her yet? It would be fun to see a picture!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

In order for the bird to survive, you will need to set up some sort of enclosure, food and water. Chickens aren't wild enough to survive without human interaction to some degree. You might also trap it yourself or have someone else do it so it can be rehomed.

Good luck!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us