Caring for a flock if you go on holiday

[rosemarythyme]

For roughly 10 standard size birds two 7 lb feeders and a 2-3 gal waterer will last just fine for 5-7 days in normal conditions. I know my waterer lasts a week since we dump & refill it weekly.

 

[Seaslug]

I would not have a single feeder or waterer, especially if you are not going to have anyone check on the animals. There is a first time for everything, and I would hate to have a single waterer and have it tip over, fall from suspension, be fouled, have an electric line fall into it -- whatever -- and have my birds die of dehydration. They can go without food for a little bit, but they can not go without water. Even if you do not trust people, they are your back up if "stock and leave" or "stock, automate, and leave" ends up failing you. Just my opinion.

 

[McChooky]

I would not have a single feeder or waterer, especially if you are not going to have anyone check on the animals. There is a first time for everything, and I would hate to have a single waterer and have it tip over, fall from suspension, be fouled, have an electric line fall into it -- whatever -- and have my birds die of dehydration. They can go without food for a little bit, but they can not go without water. Even if you do not trust people, they are your back up if "stock and leave" or "stock, automate, and leave" ends up failing you. Just my opinion.

I keep 3 feeders and waterers out so the birds that are lowest in the pecking order can eat and drink too.

 

[Nashelle]

We have one rat-proof feeder and three water stations at the moment but I can/ will get more. But you're right if anything were to go awry...
I'm considering all options here.

 

[Al Gerhart]

You have gotten some great replies. Redundancy is important. Having a good ratproof treadle feeder is really needed and they are safe enough to not have to worry about it malfunctioning. Watch the wide treadle ones, litter can build up and cause it not to open. Harder for a narrow treadle to get jammed, better if you have the feeder up on patio blocks with a nice platform in front so the birds can jump up, have room to stand and step onto the treadle.

Sh*t happens, having someone come by to check also has risks. So chose your poison. Tic toc has some super cheap wireless light bulb/camera systems that if it can reach your home wireless signal, it can alert on your phone. Talking about under $20 with shipping. Plug it in, download the app to you phone, have a friend or family member on call if there is trouble.

 

[KyCoop]

Ah yes that's one I forgot to mention. We leave family members phone numbers in case something like the fence comes down or a bird dies. Basically anything that's not the "fun" stuff. I would never expect the dog sitter to have to bury a chicken or do fencing. That's what family is for