Going away for a few days- how do you handle feeding?

[carladababe]

Thank you for the replies, still pondering on how to work this out, going to check out the web site triggerhappychickens.com. Though in another way, I think it would be easier to fly everyone out here.

 

[RaeRae2]

I have left my chickens for 5 days once when I went to Alaska. My dad was at the farm and did a quick eyeball of everyone a couple times, but he didn't actually feed or water or do anything with them. I filled up a couple of big flat ruber horse feed pans with mixed feed (sunflower seed, cracked corn, layer pellets, oats) The total feed equated to probably 25 pounds. Whatever they scratched out, they could just eat off the ground. I filled up several large flat rubber pans for a total of around 20 gallons of water. I set the water in the shade so it would never be exposed to sun (algae) and it was fine. Mine were free ranging at the time also, but if they were locked in a pen and coop, I would put in some fruits and vegetables, but not too much that it rots and becomes a problem. I would probably cut a big watermelon in half because that can last a small flock of around 15 birds for a couple days. You can cut apples in half, and give them a couple heads of cabbage, which they love. For leaving them alone in the winter, you'll have to give them heated water bowls, and those are smaller. The biggest ones I have, only hold 2 gallons.

Another thing I found that keeps my chickens busy all day is sprinkling dried meal worms all over their chicken house and run floor. They spend the whole day rooting out every little dropped worm from every crook and cranny.

 

[Stang65fst]

I have 10 chickens 5 reds 5 GLW. I can leave them over a 3 day period and they are okay. I have to get them water typcally as soon as I get home as it is low. My food last longer, however I am building a water system this weekend.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I have 10 chickens 5 reds 5 GLW. I can leave them over a 3 day period and they are okay. I have to get them water typcally as soon as I get home as it is low. My food last longer, however I am building a water system this weekend.

We do three days with ease. Four days gets tougher and if it is 5 days, I have to call in a favor from the neighbor.

 

[nuchickontheblock]

We go away for 8-10 day periods a couple of times a year and we've hired a neighbor boy under the supervision of his parents to do the chicken chores. I printed up instructions and keep a copy in the coop and give them one. I am pretty specific in the instructions, and the instructions change depending on season/temperatures and whether it's snowy and no free-ranging, or clear ground and they are out and about during the day.

So far so good.

 

[godsgurl377]

If you are only going awway for a few days and you think you could give them enough food and water but you're not sure, I would do a hands off trial run while you are home. Make sure the coop/run is very secure and give them enough food and water you think will last. Then check on them without actually doing anything for the amount of time you will be gone. I've had lots of friends go away by setting out enough for their chickens, and I have done it with my chickens and ducks but I like to have our neighbor check on them just in case. Espicially because ducks enjoy playing with lots of their drinking water! Good luck!

 

[godsgurl377]

Oh, also, we have made the switch to nipple waterers in the bottom of 5 gallon buckets for our chickens and ducks. When it is cold we plan on putting fish tank heaters in them to keep them thawed all the time. This is a much cheaper option for large heated waterers and will let you leave for longer in the winter.

 

[mrcman]

We also use the sitting services of a neighborhood girl. She's actually too young (9) to do the job on her own but her dad comes with her to oversee. This gives her some spending money and some life lessons.

 

[Rhoise]

the trigger happy chicken triggers look cool I may have to try them