Where did this guy come from???

[mojorising311]

Greetings and salutations:

This is odd, probably not the oddest thing that any of you have ever heard, but ranks high on my list. About a month ago my son was leaving to go to school, when he came back in the house with a confused look and said "uh, there's a chicken outside." Naturally I was suspicious of his claim, as we live in the city limits and there's not anywhere logical that this dude could've come from. Still skeptical I went out and sure enough, there he was, strutting around the yard like he'd been there all his life. It's a young looking rooste,r and to shorten what could become a long story, I'll get to my questions.

1. He is not one bother, to us or our neighbors, is it wise to keep said rooster around or politely move him on down the road?

2. I'm a city mouse, I've never cared for or even had the notion to procure a rooster, will just run of the mill chicken feed work?


3. Seriously, what in the world, I felt like I was being pranked.


We've taken to referring to him as Staley since he has been here for a while, here's a decent shot of him hanging out in his favorite tree.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Personally, I'd discourage his presence - no eggs and it may be against city rules to keep roosters (probably why he got the boot in the first place). But growers / general flock feed would be fine for him, should you wish to keep him around.

CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under mojorising311

Welcome!

I agree with Ken but wondered if he had starting crowing yet? He may not be as popular when he does

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, mojorising, and

! Pleased you joined us! Yes, I tend to agree with the others - he may simply not be crowing yet - and will be a frustrating pest if he starts up at 4:00 a.m. You could probably call animal control. Good luck whatever you decide to do!

 

[theoldchick]

Well Dang! Nothing like a feathered surprise to rattle your world. I'd check around and see if anyone lost a chicken, and notify animal control (if available in your area). That way if your visitor does start crowing animal control will have a record that you reported a lost bird and you won't be responsible for the noise the chicken makes.

You have two choices: ignore the chicken and hope it goes away or decide to take it in and care for it. Of course folks here will enable you and say you need more chickens to keep the one happy and you are on your way to a flock of chickens.

I've had stray fowl wander to my place and since I live out in the country I wait a few days to see if the newcomer will hang around or is simply using my place as a Motel 6 and leave of its own accord. Most do usually move on and the few that have stayed were captured and rehomed. However, I did keep one. And never regretted it despite the huge vet bill after a hunter mistook him for a turkey.


Talk about arriving on your doorstep. I mean, REALLY? Did somebody drop him off at my house or what? Once I took him in, I did all I could to keep him safe and healthy.



He is now the king of the Bachelor pen.


To keep or not to keep is a decision only you can really make. Definitely check in with animal control who will be able to give you more advice as to the legality of owning backyard chickens.

Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with the rest I'd let him wander. Unless you want to find out if your town will allow you to have a rooster, legally. I can barely see him thru the branches, I suppose there is no way it is a hen rather than a rooster.

 

[N F C]