Chicken sitting

[PeanutBabyGranola]

We keep 3 chickens, and we have some friends who have 4 of their own. They are going away for three nights, and haven't really got any other options at this point other than to ask if we can look after them for that period of time. They would have separate sleeping arrangements, but the only issue is that their chickens are quite a bit younger and somewhat smaller than ours. They are about 3/4 months old whereas ours are approaching 18 months. We have heard horror stories online of older chickens attacking and killing younger ones due to their youth and size, and so I was wondering what precautions needed to be in place for this to happen? Alternatively if this is a definite no-no then the worst case scenario is one of us will have to go and stay at their house while they are away.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would not bring those chicks into your coop, or near your birds. You can keep them elsewhere on your property temporarily, but not near your flock for disease transmission reasons.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would babysit their flock at their home. Moving them around is stressful for them, and there's also the biosecurity risk of having the two flock exposed to each other.

Do you know what their set up is like? If they proactively set it up to make things easier, a full feeder and waterer can often last a few days. So you'd only have to go by and check in on them instead of having to stay and fully take care of them. I know my water lasts a week and the feed about 4-5 days, without me doing anything.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Yes, have them at their home, and visit once daily to check on them. Wear shoes and clothes that are NOT what you wear at your coop, keep everything separate, shoes on up.
Mary