Babysitting two hens for my neighbor, help?

[Gratefulpickles]

He brought them over because I felt it was too cold in his shed and they were in a cage anyway. He'll be back Saturday. I don't remember any thing from when we grew up with chickens my dad everything.
Anybody here have any advice? They are in my art room in their cage. They have water n food. I put a better dowel in there for them to roost more comfortably their feet like that I think.
They're a little scared. What can I do for them ? What would they like to eat? Sorry to seem so naive but I really want to treat them very well I feel sorry for them one likes to be pet the other one doesn't. They were picking a few minutes ago now they're quiet. He said one thinks she's going to lay an egg brooding? I want to put hay in there but I don't want to scare them. He came along when we carried the cage here a half block to my place so they saw where they were. He lets them.out in day time I might let them in my house but it's coyote mating season and they're out and aggressive so no field trips this time. Please respond. It is 7pm Wednesday night in Portland Oregon the weather is at about 41°.

 

[DemeterAD9]

Are these full size chickens or a smaller breed? Photos of them and their cage? A perch that is flat and wide enough for them to rest their feet and toes flat on is more preferable than a rounded perch but so long as it is wide enough a round one will do. Letting them out and about is good for them, if you can enclose an area outside or perhaps in a garage that they cannot get out of that would be great.

Other than that you just have to feed and water them for a couple days so doing any big changes is beside the point. You can add a suitably sized box with straw/hay that they can lay eggs in, if they are not too stressed to lay. As for treats, most fruits and veggies are appreciated. The average chicken really loves scrambled eggs and rice too.

41F is not too cold, my birds are outside in their coop right now and it's 15F. Other than frostbite on individuals with large combs and waddles, the only bad thing about the cold is the snow which mine do not seem to like at all, but then what chicken does? A comfortable area to roost that is away from drafts and out of the weather is all they really need in terms of night time roosting. They'll sleep when it is dark so be sure to not leave the room's lights on during the night.

 

[Gratefulpickles]

Are these full size chickens or a smaller breed? Photos of them and their cage? A perch that is flat and wide enough for them to rest their feet and toes flat on is more preferable than a rounded perch but so long as it is wide enough a round one will do. Letting them out and about is good for them, if you can enclose an area outside or perhaps in a garage that they cannot get out of that would be great.

Other than that you just have to feed and water them for a couple days so doing any big changes is beside the point. You can add a suitably sized box with straw/hay that they can lay eggs in, if they are not too stressed to lay. As for treats, most fruits and veggies are appreciated. The average chicken really loves scrambled eggs and rice too.

41F is not too cold, my birds are outside in their coop right now and it's 15F. Other than frostbite on individuals with large combs and waddles, the only bad thing about the cold is the snow which mine do not seem to like at all, but then what chicken does? A comfortable area to roost that is away from drafts and out of the weather is all they really need in terms of night time roosting. They'll sleep when it is dark so be sure to not leave the room's lights on during the night.

Thank you so much.

 

[Gratefulpickles]

I wonder if they are scared. I can't let them out just yet my kitty will have to go into a room for me to do so and it's almost bed time for both of us.
I also notice the black one likes to step on the white one that is the one that's brooding. Should I get some grass or hay to put in there or would they want an old flannel to lay on? Then what about breakfast? Do they like garbanzo beans?

 

[Squawkers]

Did the owner not give you chicken food? If he did, I’d stick to that (some fruits, veggies, and scrambled eggs are nice treats to add) If you don’t have food I wouldn’t worry too much about what to give them. I’ve never heard of garbanzo beans, but as long as you cook them thoroughly they should be fine. Chickens (and people) should not have raw beans. Pretty much any scraps would make them very happy! There are some things that are toxic though. Maybe if you’re worried just ask before feeding!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

He brought them over because I felt it was too cold in his shed and they were in a cage anyway. He'll be back Saturday. I don't remember any thing from when we grew up with chickens my dad everything.
Anybody here have any advice? They are in my art room in their cage. They have water n food. I put a better dowel in there for them to roost more comfortably their feet like that I think.
They're a little scared. What can I do for them ? What would they like to eat? Sorry to seem so naive but I really want to treat them very well I feel sorry for them one likes to be pet the other one doesn't. They were picking a few minutes ago now they're quiet. He said one thinks she's going to lay an egg brooding? I want to put hay in there but I don't want to scare them. He came along when we carried the cage here a half block to my place so they saw where they were. He lets them.out in day time I might let them in my house but it's coyote mating season and they're out and aggressive so no field trips this time. Please respond. It is 7pm Wednesday night in Portland Oregon the weather is at about 41°.

I wonder if they are scared. I can't let them out just yet my kitty will have to go into a room for me to do so and it's almost bed time for both of us.
I also notice the black one likes to step on the white one that is the one that's brooding. Should I get some grass or hay to put in there or would they want an old flannel to lay on? Then what about breakfast? Do they like garbanzo beans?

Welcome To BYC

Did the owner/neighbor provide you with Poultry Feed for the birds? If so, feed them poultry feed.

41F is generally not too cold for chickens as long as they have shelter/protection from wind and the elements.

 

[CCsGarden]

Thank you so much.

That cage is kind of short and small. I would give them so cooked egg and yogurt if you have any. Make sure they have clean water.

 

[Gratefulpickles]

Welcome To BYC

Did the owner/neighbor provide you with Poultry Feed for the birds? If so, feed them poultry feed.

41F is generally not too cold for chickens as long as they have shelter/protection from wind and the elements.

Thank you, no feed just corn cooked n rice uncooked

 

[CCsGarden]

I wonder if they are scared. I can't let them out just yet my kitty will have to go into a room for me to do so and it's almost bed time for both of us.
I also notice the black one likes to step on the white one that is the one that's brooding. Should I get some grass or hay to put in there or would they want an old flannel to lay on?

Yes, flannel will work! My hens I keep inside love old towels and blankets to sit/nest on.

Then what about breakfast? Do they like garbanzo beans?

If your neighbor provided chicken feed, then feed them that. Otherwise feed them at least some cooked egg.

 

[CCsGarden]

Thank you, no feed just corn cooked n rice uncooked

That is not the greatest for them....it will make them fat.