Stray Hen - Questions.

[taichiperson]

On returning home from holiday, we discovered something had been scratching about in the garden, and had already worked out it wasn't rabbits - and lo and behold, we discovered a chicken wandering about in the undergrowth. It's black with a red crop (if that's the right term). We don't know of anyone nearby that keeps them, so it's a bit of a mystery.

Mr Taichiperson is actually quite happy, as we have recently also discovered ticks in the long grass; he reacts very badly to their bites at times and may have a mild case of Lymes disease. He heard that hens do a very good job of keeping ticks down.

To cut a long story short, I'd like to know a little about hens and keeping them. We live in Cumbria, and have about a quarter of an acre right next to a fairly busy road. It may come to nothing, but if anyone could recommend a good website or offer advice it would be just great, thanks.

[stewey]

Taichiperson, here is some basic information. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than I will come come on here later.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-raise-backyard-chickens-in-your-city-the-basics-of-raising-chickens