Can't free-range for 3 weeks

[IslaBean]

In about a month I'm going on a three week vacation. I have found someone to look after my girls when I am gone , but they are only able to come once a day. My chickens are used to free ranging every day. They are let out in the morning and put back in their coops before night. There have been only a few days where I wasn't able to let them free range. Will my girls be okay not free ranging for 3 weeks in a row? Will I have any problems with them getting along? My girls have always gotten along fine, but I'm worried that they might if I leave them in a small area together too long. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

How big (feet by feet) is the area they'll be confined in? How many birds?

 

[IslaBean]

How big (feet by feet) is the area they'll be confined in? How many birds?

Their coop is about 4' by 4' and their run is about 4' by 8'. I have 4 chickens.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Their coop is about 4' by 4' and their run is about 4' by 8'. I have 4 chickens.

they should be fine for the 3 weeks but anxious when you get home I imagine

 

[venymae]

They won't be thrilled, but an area that big will be just fine

 

[Folly's place]

You could do a 'trial run' before you leave, and see how it goes. If you have a feather puller, or some other sort of 'difficult' hen, find out sooner.
Toys? A flock block? Hanging cabbage? Some entertainment would help too. Mary

 

[Teila]

Hey IslaBean

Due to a relocation and many, many hawks at our new location, my gals had to go from all day every day free range to being confined to their run.

Because the surroundings were new, they were fine with being confined to the run until I felt sorry for them one day and let them out for a supervised free range. The next day they wanted out! It took another week before they settled again.

So yeah, I agree that they will not be happy about it and may kick up a stink initially but they will learn to live with it, especially with that much room.

 

[Folly's place]

Sometimes we all need to keep everyone in; deep snow, predator attacks, whatever. The birds are not pleased, but that's just the way it is! Mary

 

[Teila]

Sometimes we all need to keep everyone in; deep snow, predator attacks, whatever. The birds are not pleased, but that's just the way it is! Mary

True that!

Being confined in a nice size run beats being frozen or eaten

As you mentioned, 'entertainment' definitely helps.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You could do a 'trial run' before you leave, and see how it goes. If you have a feather puller, or some other sort of 'difficult' hen, find out sooner.
Toys? A flock block? Hanging cabbage? Some entertainment would help too. Mary

X2
I would start early to see how they do while you are available to address any issues that arise. The space is not really *that* snug, even for birds accustomed to being out. Add some distractions and they should be fine