Took in an Injured Hen, Need Help

[ESOCoop]

Last week, we bought two hens. One got killed by a dog so yesterday I went to get a new chicken. In the craigslist ad, beautiful hens were pictured all looking very healthy. When I arrived, there was only one hen, with all its feathers on its butt pulled out and raw skin exposed and it just looked horrible as you can see but I didn't know much about chicken keeping so I thought maybe I could rehabilitate it.

The issue as I see it is I can't let it into the coop with the other hen or it'd get bullied by the larger, healthier hen right? Is there anything I can do for this hen? Should I try to introduce her to the established hen? I feel stupid for taking in an animal in poor health without knowing much about the species. Please take pity on me and this bird and help us out I really want her to have a good life.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

aww, HE is just a baby. new chickens should be quarantined for a solid month so he dont make your hen sick if he has some hidden problems. I would treat for mites and lice during this time as well. Then after all is said and done put him next to her but where they cant reach each other and see how they act. Give it a week and if they arent trying to kill each other through the wire introduce him after she has gone to bed for the night and watch them in the am. Sorry , and Welcome to BYC

 

[ESOCoop]

Thank You! Do you mean to say this is in fact a roo and not a hen? I think I may have made a mistake I don't even know if roosters are allowed in my county!

 

[Granny Hatchet]

You know, Im really bad at sexing chickens and with the feathers missing where saddle feathers would be on a roo its a guess. There are others better then I am . Lots better but sure looks roo to me.

 

[Mattemma]

I can't see a picture. I agree a month is the Q time. I have never made it past 3 weeks though. I always spray blue kote on any wounds or exposed skin. You could put him in a dog crate in the house or garage.The XL Marchioro cages are great.Cheap on Craig's. Night time slip him in with the hen after Q.

Keep checking for more hens. I always sold mine on Craig's at 1 or 2 years old for $2 each. Even $5 is decent. Hope you can get a few more hens.

Chickens tolerate baths pretty well too. I have used dog shampoo for possible bugs, but I don't know if that is recommended.

Best wishes and so kind of you to take him in. I have a rooster too. If anyone complains I will bring him inside till I find him a new home.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

This is a roo right ? Different thread.

 

[ESOCoop]

I'll buy some blue kote tomorrow. He's in a dog crate in the back yard right now. Would he be comfortable in there with food and water for a whole Q month or will he need his own run? I'm also surprised to hear hens sell for $5 where you live. In my part of California, I find them on clist for $30-50

 

[Granny Hatchet]

OMG LOLOL I posted your chicken right back to your thread. wow Taking it to mine.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

Just noticed it a buff polish mix and has blue ear lobs so thats pretty interesting .

 

[Granny Hatchet]

Well, My girl says hen. I dont agree but like I said, Im not very good. Maybe we can get some more opinions ..