Total newbie just adopted a Silkie, need advice

[Ernie]

My neighbor is moving and they weren't taking their hen Ernie with them, so we adopted her today. I am totally new to this and have no idea what I'm doing. I've read a few posts and the first thing I'm worried about is raccoons. I'd love to get her some companions, but need some info first (her coop seems kind of small for multiple birds). Anything you can throw my way would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[insiderart]

Aww she looks sweet. The most glaring thing I see is that I would replace the chicken wire with hardware cloth. Where does she sleep? I couldn't tell from the photo. Then maybe by tomorrow the coop aficianados will be by to offer more help.

 

[mikesbigroo]

be careful with the predators, they can dig or jerk your bird thru the wire, had coons dig under things before to try and get to my birds, security is the main thing, ya can add on to your existing coop and maybe build a little run, but watch them coons, here today gone tomarrow

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

She looks so sweet...It looks like she has some where to sleep I lock mine in the coop a night I don't worry to much during the day about racoons... I have dogs in the yard.... Good luck with your new chicken have lots of fun...

 

[insiderart]

Oh hey I see where she sleeps now. I guess I didn't have my screen turned back enough.

 

[Ernie]

Thanks everybody! She's super sweet - my kids have been tending to her all morning. I'm definitely going to be upgrading security and possibly building her a proper home. She left us a deposit and provided part of this morning's breakfast