I got a chicken. And EGGS! Updated photos pg 4

[Mewtwofan1]

She looks like a Bernadette. That facial expression says it all. Here’s hoping she warms up. I know she will after a while.

[tulagirl]

Oh wow she is just adorable.  Squeeeee

[Leave a Whisper]

Aww she's cute Gator.

[Gator]

I went to put Bernie to bed tonight, and she was already tucked up in her nest!  In less than 24 hours she has learned to use the ramp and knows the box is her house/roost!  For the past week she was kept in a stall until we could figure out what to do with her.  My goal is to afford to build a real coop instead of that little rabbit pen, and once I re-fence the other side of the paddock she can roam free.  Then I can get her a companion or two.  Right now one side of the paddock has wire with holes big enough for her to get through, and predators too.  So far Harley the pony has left the exercise pen alone during the day.

[Leave a Whisper]

I went to put Bernie to bed tonight, and she was already tucked up in her nest!  In less than 24 hours she has learned to use the ramp and knows the box is her house/roost!  For the past week she was kept in a stall until we could figure out what to do with her.  My goal is to afford to build a real coop instead of that little rabbit pen, and once I re-fence the other side of the paddock she can roam free.  Then I can get her a companion or two.  Right now one side of the paddock has wire with holes big enough for her to get through, and predators too.  So far Harley the pony has left the exercise pen alone during the day.

Maybe try a tack and feed shop. I've sometimes seen stuff for chickens.

[starstrider]

Oh my god.  Hearing that this is a common occurrence is both heartbreaking and enraging.  The negligence of the processing plant/transport company and their complete lack of concern for any of the living birds in their care is just appalling.  Not that the chickens who survive the truck journey have any kind of better fate to look forward to   

Thank you so much for caring enough to rescue those poor chickens in distress.  You have obviously got a big heart and they are so lucky you came along when you did.  I'm glad you could prevent more suffering in their little lives.

[Nemesis]

First off, major kudos (and hugs! ) to you for saving her! Chickens are wonderful pets; I’ve had them for most of my life.

It’s horrible what today’s meat industry is allowed to get away with. The way some of these places treat their animals is disgusting. Heavier regulation and higher standards really need to be implemented, on a widespread scale. It always seems like poultry in particular face a lot of abuse.

I remember reading, years back, about supplements meant to help “broiler”-type chickens develop strong legs, so that they can support their own weight... Maybe check into something like that?

Anyway, enjoy your new chicken pal! ^3^ I have a dozen of my own, and they’re so precious. Also, don’t feel bad if Bernadette takes a while to warm up to you... I’ve hand-raised my flock from the time they were a day old, and they still don’t let me pick them up or cuddle them without a fuss.

[Gator]

Wow, time flies.  Hard to believe I've had her almost two months.  Well, I never got around to fixing the fence.  Bernie stayed in the paddock for awhile, but she eventually learned to go under the gate and into the back pasture.  In the mornings, she's already out back searching through the grass and clover by the time I'm ready for work so I don't bother feeding her.  In the evenings, I think she knows I get home by 6pm because she's back in the paddock waiting by the gate, ready to be fed.  Then, as dusk falls, she goes to roost in her box.

[BlackCurtains]

Aw, sounds like she's got a great life

[Leave a Whisper]

Wow, time flies.  Hard to believe I've had her almost two months.  Well, I never got around to fixing the fence.  Bernie stayed in the paddock for awhile, but she eventually learned to go under the gate and into the back pasture.  In the mornings, she's already out back searching through the grass and clover by the time I'm ready for work so I don't bother feeding her.  In the evenings, I think she knows I get home by 6pm because she's back in the paddock waiting by the gate, ready to be fed.  Then, as dusk falls, she goes to roost in her box.

Sounds like she's gotten quite comfortable.

[Gator]

Everyones been asking, and the answer is yes!  Bernie will lay eggs!  I found these today.  Not sure how old they are because due to the rain we've had, I haven't cleaned her coop in a few days.

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And here she is with all her friends:

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Left to right:  Bernie, Harley the pony, and goats Mickey and Ugly.

[BlackCurtains]

That is so awesome! I've always wanted to live somewhere that would let me keep chickens for eggs.

Love the group pic, your pasture is so lush and beautiful.

[Marlin]

So awesome, Gator. What a happy ending

[Leave a Whisper]

That's awesome Gator!

[Mewtwofan1]

I’m glad to see little Bernadette has been well, and is laying eggs. I don’t know much about chickens, But I’ll guess her laying eggs is a sign that she’s happy? She seems content with her farm friends. And it looks so green where you are! I love it!