We're taking a 5-day trip next week and pet sitter will be handling all critter care.
I have two broodies in my small flock of seven right now (10 month old Dominiques) that will simply remain broody for the moment, no egg-hatching, no chicks. The broodies sometimes leave the nest box to run around and eat, but not routinely or reliably. Right now I feed them a mash of their standard layer feed, and also give chopped grapes, and I am offering them commercial "grit" both morning and evening---"breakfast in bed"
They readily consume the mash and grapes but not taking grit right now.
Question: Should I give pet sitter instructions to continue the broody feeding routine, or, should I have her remove broodies from nest boxes when she makes her a.m. and p.m. visits?
My concerns are: (1) adequate water intake, although they get wet food mash & grapes
(2) pet sitter ability to remove broodies without stressing them
(3) need for broodies to consume grit, if that is necessary
Your experiences in a similar situation are appreciated!
I have two broodies in my small flock of seven right now (10 month old Dominiques) that will simply remain broody for the moment, no egg-hatching, no chicks. The broodies sometimes leave the nest box to run around and eat, but not routinely or reliably. Right now I feed them a mash of their standard layer feed, and also give chopped grapes, and I am offering them commercial "grit" both morning and evening---"breakfast in bed"
Question: Should I give pet sitter instructions to continue the broody feeding routine, or, should I have her remove broodies from nest boxes when she makes her a.m. and p.m. visits?
My concerns are: (1) adequate water intake, although they get wet food mash & grapes
(2) pet sitter ability to remove broodies without stressing them
(3) need for broodies to consume grit, if that is necessary
Your experiences in a similar situation are appreciated!