Would it be inhumane to keep a chicken in an apartment?

[CityEgger]

First of all, let me explain.
I live in a city where chickens are allowed. I live in an apartment complex where almost everybody has cats and dogs, and my neighbor keeps a parrot. No one would object to a chicken, so that's not my problem.
I've just always wanted chickens, forever, and never really had the opportunity to own one. Now, a friend of mine has rescued several chickens and I saw one hen and fell in love. Not sure what breed she is, I think she's a mutt. But anyway, that doesn't matter to me.
I would give her a little henhouse of her own, and I could construct a "run" on a table thing, fill it with several inches of dirt. I'd take care as best as I can - I've been reading up a lot on keeping chickens - and I love the idea that I'd wake up to an egg in the morning. And, of course, I guess I could take her on a walk every now and then in the park on a leash, though that's sure to give me several crazy looks.
I'm just worried that she'll be unhappy indoors, or that it would be inhumane to keep her like that. What do you guys think?

 

[DuckLover2399]

Well you could get her a hen apron. and make her an indoor hen

 

[aubreynoramarie]

I'd worry more about her being alone. Chickens need a flock and if you were going to do it I would suggest getting two bantams. Also would lOok into 'chicken diapers' so that they could run around the apartment with you while you're home..

 

[jjthink]

She truly would be happiest if she had a feathered friend, somebody to talk chicken with, you know? As well as a goodly amount of fresh air and light and bugs and grass to play in.
JJ

 

[riane'smimi]

Quote:
Also I wouldn't use dirt but woodshavings.It will cut out the smell and alot of the mess.Seems alot of people are keeping housechickens nowadays.
Good luck.

 

[ReikiStar]

Quote:
x's 2 There are people who have house chickens but they usually have other chickens as well.

 

[Sword]

You might be able to do it with Serama bantams, but they do kick their shavings around so you'd have to vacuum alot. I wouldn't take them to the park, though. If someones dog gets loose you could end up with dead chickens and probably get bitten yourself.

 

[dragonlair]

When I was in high school, we hatched out 24 eggs. I took home 2 of the chicks to raise, a cockeral, Fricasee, and a pullet, Dumplin. I raised them in my bedroom (in an apartment in the middle of Worcester , Ma). Once they were off their heat lamp, I took them for walks daily, made little leashes for then and everything. They didn't seem to mind being city slickers!

 

[Oregon Blues]

[[[[.......No one would object to a chicken.....]]]]]]

How about the landlord? Is he OK with a chicken inside your apartment?

 

[grandmaof5]

Get 2...not much more work and your hen wouldn't be lonesome.