How to have a house chicken?

[Encourage]

I have a three year-old RIR hen who is one of those “special cases“. Since crop surgery last October, she lies down all the time. She eats, drinks, and poops just fine. She doesn’t seem agitated or uncomfortable… but I can’t have her around the other girls if she can’t defend herself.

While I would never previously consider a house chicken, she’s such a sweetheart that I have to at least explore the option. I don’t want to euthanize at this point.

So. I ordered some chicken diapers. And I have questions which may be ignorant, so grant me patience, please.

She has not laid eggs since before her surgery. And that’s fine, but if she starts again, how do you handle that with a house chicken wearing a diaper?

My dog is good with the hen. She has not yet been around my (very laid-back) cat. If we went out, she would obviously have to be closed in a room or crate for her safety. But while we’re home… how do people’s household pets adapt to having a chicken in their house?

I feel crazy, even considering all this, but I can’t be the first one. Advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Callender Girl]

I have had a house chicken for about five years,; it wasn't intentional, but it's worked out okay for all involved. Many people will tell you that a single chicken will be miserable without a flock. My hen seems to consider my other pets and me as her flock.

Dottie is housed in a large wire dog kennel; there's a small chunk of 2-by-4 for a roost and a small tote as a nest box (nice not to have to go outside to gather her eggs!). Although she spends more time there since the arrival of Rescue Dog No. 2 -- who just wants to be friends but is too pushy -- prior to George's arrival, she often just hung out on the sofa with me, another dog and a cat.

I have never used diapers but keep a strict eye on her and bought a LOT of paper towels when she spent most of her time "free ranging" indoors.

When the weather is nice enough for her to go outside, she stays, loose, on the opposite side of a fence that separates her from the other poultry, who pick on her. Dottie knows to perch on my arm on command, but sometimes gets so involved in the outside world that I have to chase her down to get her back inside. I watch her the entire time she is outdoors.

The biggest problem with an indoor chicken, which is also true with brooding chicks in the house, is the amount of dander, feathers and discarded food that's produced. Plus, cecal chicken poop is not a house-friendly smell.

I applaud you for wanting to do the best for your girl!

 

[Encourage]

I have had a house chicken for about five years,; it wasn't intentional, but it's worked out okay for all involved.

Thank you so much! This was very helpful.