Going on Vacation, First time leaving my Girls!

[KonekoChan528]

Please, I have some concerns. We are leaving in September for a week.

1. I have a friend taking care of the girls, she has her own chickens and she's just down the road from me. She will be coming over every morning. I told her to take any eggs she finds but what would you give as cash for a week taking care of chickens?

2. My husband LOVES these girls and they are pretty much our children! He wants to keep them inside the coop the whole time we are gone. I feel like its ok to let them in the run and just keep the door open for the freedom of inside or out. Our run has double fencing so they don't poke their heads out or anything getting in. Would it be ok to leave the door to the run open so my friend doesn't have to come over a second time?

3. Would egg production go down if they stay in the coop and get deprived of sun light?

4. Would a small fan in the window be a good idea to blow out the hot air? Its been in the 80-90's and if they are in the coop all week It might be a good idea right?

Any advice is helpful! I hope I can keep my separation anxiety down while I'm on vacation! We just love our girls!!!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I think leaving the door to the run open will be just fine, as long as the run is fully fenced and predator proof. You shouldn't have anything to worry about. As for pay, it depends how much you are asking her to do. If it is just feeding, watering and collecting eggs, $5-$10 a visit should be fine. If you want her to clean, then maybe paying a bit more for that might be good.

Mostly, enjoy your trip! The girls will be fine and it sounds like your friend has some good chicken experience. That is always a plus.