SLW is a big big bully :(

[dunnmom]

Oh yeah. I had an aggressive SLW hen who developed a bad habit of plucking feathers off of other hens until they bled. I found someone willing to take her and rehabilitate her, but a lot of folks don't want a problem hen. We just got lucky. Lucky for the hen, too. We were worried we might have had to cull her, because nothing we did to try to whip her into shape was working. If you do try to rehome her, please fully disclose her behavioral issues before handing her over to someone else.

 

[lazy gardener]

My mom is lazy thats all she just doesn't want to spend so much time on the chickens

Yes we free range them. Our run is roughly three by eight and my mom refuses to get a bigger one ("It's too much work!")

I would suggest that you consider that your mom has a lot on her plate. It takes a lot of hard work to run a household and take care of the family. A lot of moms are also working a job outside of the home. Instead of calling your mom lazy, I suggest that you roll up your sleeves and ask her what you can do to lighten her load. It's never a good idea to name call, especially on a public forum.

As for getting a bigger run, you are right. That run is only big enough for 2 chickens. Can you earn the money to buy some more fencing and fiberglass fence posts? You could enlarge your run with a few posts, some zip ties, and some bird netting placed over the top.

 

[aart]

Shes also scared that our neighbors will call animal control

Are chickens allowed where you live?
It can be a big fine if you get busted.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

OMG, I thought those posts were from an adult, speaking as though she were the hens. Right now, perhaps you should be greatful that Mom allows you to have chickens. And take some of the above advice, after all they are your responsibility.

 

[andreanar]

could you look around for free pallets and other scraps of material that YOU can use to enlarge your run?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Try craigslist and construction sites, if there are any in your area. Often they have material scraps that would go in a dumpster and are happy to give them away. I have a feeling Mom would be willing to help, if you are showing you wish to take responsibility for your chickens. You might offer to help her with some minor chores in return. That always works well for my daughter, shows she is mature and responsible, which is always appreciated in a family. Good luck on your new endeavor.

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

Yes they are legal.