We were adopted by a chicken so now I'm here

[Judy]

I would NOT get a 50 lb. bag of scratch. They should only have a little bit, like 5% of their diet, and you should use up a bag of feed in a month or so. Around here I can buy smaller bags of feed in the pet aisle of the grocery store, which would be ideal for you. For one or two, I wouldn't even buy 50 lbs. of the layer if I could find smaller bags. I'd skip scratch feed, it is really only a treat, and go with kitchen scraps and leftovers for treats (or training aids.) A small bag of wild bird food would make a good substitute for scratch as a treat.

Nothing wrong with the dog house and ranging in your yard, if you can keep dogs away from her. I agree, I'd get another if possible; try to get one around the same age, or at least the same size.

What you might seriously consider is blocking off access to the area under your deck. Chicken wire is inexpensive and will serve the purpose.

 

[19hhbelgian]

It makes me so happy to hear stories like yours! It was very nice of you to give her a good home... Not just every one would do that for an animal, especially "just" a chicken!

A dog house should be a good house for her, but yep, she should have a nesting box, or you'll be playing egg hunt on a daily basis once she starts laying... That can get old

You do want to keep her safe from predators too, although it sounds like she's gotten along pretty well on her own for a while now. Maybe you can make a closeable door on the dog house for at night? Chickens are quite vulnerable at night.

You're very good chickie parents already, keep up the good work!!