How long can chickens be left alone?

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keepitlow

keepitlow

In the Brooder
10 Years
Nov 11, 2009
11
0
22
When you on vacation can you get by with leaving them alone for a week?

If not, how do you get your birds looked after?

Thanks
 
I would be ok with leaving mine for a period of time (days) simply because I have neighbors, friends & family to check on them. It's not really hard to make sure they have food & water. The downside for them would be that they wouldn't get to free range while I was gone & we'd miss each other.
 
Even if you have a secure, covered run for your birds (where you might feel safe leaving your pop door open), I think a week is too long to leave your birds unattended. I'd find a neighbor, a relative, a local teen who needs to make a little money to stop by at least once a day just to check on them. Even the large feeders/waterers can get knocked over on occasion, and you always want to be aware of the predator situation.
I'm lucky that I have a sister-in-law who also has pets. So we trade pet-assisting services from time to time... I'll go feed her dog is she's running late, and she helps out with my chickens if I'm gone for a weekend. The last time we were gone for a week, I paid a pet sitter (19 yr old daughter of a work mate) to care for them (but I also have dogs/cats).
 
I have a friend come over twice a day to tend to and check on the animals. I pay her a small (token) amount because she's a good friend and she gets to keep all the eggs she collects.
 
I've left for 4-5 days at a time and would have for much longer if I didn't have to get back to feed the dogs again. I free range at all times and the dogs watch them for me. I put down enough food and water in the coop for the time I am gone and leave without a worry.

But then, not everyone has my setup.
 

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