Chickens Okay on Vacation?

[la79al]

We have 3 chickens in our backyard. They are 100% in their coop/run. They are locked into the coop at night, it's just what we have always done. The run is covered sides and tops with wire (not chicken wire). The wire does not go into the ground. We just found out our chicken sitter will be on vacation the same week as us this summer. My question is, do we need to find someone else to let them out/put them in or can we just find someone to check on them once or twice and top off food and water as needed. We live in town. The neighbors have cats that wander but have never bothered the chickens that we know of. There are probably skunks and possums around. We currently don't have a motion light or anything in the backyard. The chickens have been there almost 2 years and while they have dug on the inside of the run, we have never found evidence of anything trying to dig on the outside.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

I personally would want mine locked up at night. @black_cat @CHlCKEN

 

[newchck]

i would find another sitter to put them up at night

 

[black_cat]

I agree- I personally am on good terms with all of my neighbors, and it's always a priority for me to make sure that the coop locked up every night. Also, you'll need someone to keep tabs on food and water.

 

[CHlCKEN]

We have 3 chickens in our backyard. They are 100% in their coop/run. They are locked into the coop at night, it's just what we have always done. The run is covered sides and tops with wire (not chicken wire). The wire does not go into the ground. We just found out our chicken sitter will be on vacation the same week as us this summer. My question is, do we need to find someone else to let them out/put them in or can we just find someone to check on them once or twice and top off food and water as needed. We live in town. The neighbors have cats that wander but have never bothered the chickens that we know of. There are probably skunks and possums around. We currently don't have a motion light or anything in the backyard. The chickens have been there almost 2 years and while they have dug on the inside of the run, we have never found evidence of anything trying to dig on the outside.

Sounds like the run isn’t very secure. If I were you, I wouldn’t risk it. Find another sitter who will lock them up at night, because predators will jump at the chance of a free meal.

Yiu may be interested in upgrading your run to create a more safe an secure environment. Raccoons can climb, dig, and do anything, opossums and other small predators may not seem like they can do much, but they can behead all your chickens in just seconds. Take the extra precautions, make sure your run and coop are as secure as they can get.

 

[3KillerBs]

If you do not have a predator-hardened run you should have the coop closed up at night.

Even if you do, when you have a small setup with only one food/water source there's a risk that it could be knocked over and spilled.

 

[ReelFaster]

Maybe not an option at the moment but perhaps look into an automatic door in the future. We love our and it locks at night. We still double check our girls at night to be safe and thinking of throwing up a camera in time. We have friends, family and neighbors that will help out as well.

 

[la79al]

OP here--Do you think it would be possible for me to predator proof the setup? I can find someone to feed/water/check on the girls. Not sure if I can find someone to come over early and late to let in/out. Our neighbors installed a 6 foot privacy fence when we got the chickens, if that tells you anything about the chicken love around here. And local family will all be on vacation with us.

 

[ReelFaster]

OP here--Do you think it would be possible for me to predator proof the setup? I can find someone to feed/water/check on the girls. Not sure if I can find someone to come over early and late to let in/out. Our neighbors installed a 6 foot privacy fence when we got the chickens, if that tells you anything about the chicken love around here.

Absolutely you can! But how far you are willing to go with securing it, time, and how much will it cost is all things to be considered. But I think its a good idea, secure and forget it, years of peace of mind.

 

[Ada06]

OP here--Do you think it would be possible for me to predator proof the setup? I can find someone to feed/water/check on the girls. Not sure if I can find someone to come over early and late to let in/out. Our neighbors installed a 6 foot privacy fence when we got the chickens, if that tells you anything about the chicken love around here. And local family will all be on vacation with us.

Ours are in their coop with the door open at night with the run locked. Never had a problem (knock on wood). Maybe try that before you go on vacation.