How to Adopt Baby Chickens

Chickens are highly intelligent animals that form life-long bonds to their human families, and as a result, they are commonly kept as pets. Unfortunately, many chickens that are raised for agricultural purposes are highly neglected or abused. For this reason, there are several chicken rescue organizations that help animal-loving individuals to adopt chickens.

Things You'll Need

  • Money to pay rescue organization's fee
  • Chicken coop set up according to rescue organization's requirements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your local city offices and ask for information regarding regulations about keeping farm animals as pets. Some municipalities have strict requirements about keeping chickens, so it is important to find this information before you begin looking for your new pet. Citychicken.com has a list of chicken laws sorted by state for your reference.

    • 2

      Contact your local animal rescue shelter, and ask if they have chickens available for adoption. You may have better luck finding these birds through animal rescue shelters in more rural, agricultural areas. If you are unable to find a chicken locally, Petfinder.com. has a searchable database of animals available for adoption across the United States.

    • 3

      Arrange to meet with the organization that has the chicken you wish to adopt. The organization will want to discuss several topics with you, making sure that you are aware of the care that chicks and chickens require for good health. The organization may also want to perform a background check on all members of your household, to ensure no one has a criminal history of animal abuse.

    • 4

      Prepare your chicken's new home, according to the standards that were discussed with the animal rescue organization. Gather the necessary food for your new pet, as well. It is important that you prepare your chicken's new home carefully, since the organization will likely want to see it before allowing you to take the chicken into your care.

    • 5

      Arrange a time to pick up your baby chicken. Gather the money needed to pay any fees that the animal rescue organization may charge. If the organization charges no fees, you can still offer a small donation. Because these types of organizations spend large amounts of time and money on the care of their animals, donations are always appreciated.

    • 6

      Consider adopting other baby chickens to keep your new pet company. Chickens, like all birds, are flock animals and thrive on the company of other animals. Spend as much time as you can caring for your new bird, in order to build the trusting bond necessary for the rescued animal's health and well-being.