[Bob] Tomorrow, it seems that I may become foster-mother to a stray chicken. It's too late to tell the full story - but what do I need to get in to make the poor mite comfortable until it's reclaimed? Straw and what ...? I've got budgie food ...
Happy New Year too! Chalky] What an odd way to start the new year! Basics for chicken care - chucks eat: Grass, Porridge, Cabbage, lettuce, any greens, Grains - preferably corn and wheat - but budgie food may do in the short term, Worms and stuff they dig up themselves, And don't forget some water! If this becomes a long-term thing you'll need to let her have a supply of fine grit too. If you have a lawn and can set up a small fenced area - four bamboos and some pea netting would do - as day-time housing. An old rabbit hutch would do at night or a very big cardboard box with some chicken wire over the top. If you have sawdust in the bottom of the housing, it helps make poo-disposal easier. Longer-term, stick in a short thick branch (as thick as your fist) for Chuck to perch on at night, and some straw in a corner for it to lay on. And all the best! I'd love to know the story...