How do you go on vacation with chickens?

[Love Donkeys]

We have our 27 y/o grandson, he has chronic severe Migraines and he is unable to hold a job. He lives (rent free) with his cat in a Double-Wide on the edge of one of our hay fields. He cares for our 31 Donkeys, 46 Chickens and 5 Barn Cats while we are away. We pay him $15 a day for his farm-sitting. He calls us daily and sends photos while we are on vacation....

 

[Squawkers]

We have our 27 y/o grandson, he has chronic severe Migraines and he is unable to hold a job. He lives (rent free) in a Double-Wide on the edge of one of our hay fields. He cares for our 31 Donkeys, 46 Chickens and 5 Barn Cats while we are away. We pay him $15 a day for his farm-sitting. He calls us daily and sends photos while we are on vacation....

That’s so sweet! He is so lucky to have you!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

If hiring someone who has chickens or other birds of their own, I'd make them follow biosecurity rules - before entering my coop area they must shower and wear different clothes/shoes than their coop clothes/shoes.

same!! I dont think I would have my chicken helper even go into the coops. Head count, make sure everyone is accounted for. maybe throw some scratch, but dont enter the run!

 

[my spoiled chickens]

Hi!
Im planning a 2 week vacation this summer to Europe. We dont have familly near by, so I am wondering how in the world I would go with chickens that need to be treated like royalty. So how in the world would I do this? Thanks!

I literally just got back from a trip to ireland for two weeks! My grandparents were taking care of them though

 

[my spoiled chickens]

Hi!
Im planning a 2 week vacation this summer to Europe. We dont have familly near by, so I am wondering how in the world I would go with chickens that need to be treated like royalty. So how in the world would I do this? Thanks!

Also look on craigslist for farm sitting

 

[peafowl_Lover]

My uncle usually puts them in to bed, and let's them out in the morning. Then my cousin comes over to feed them. And I do the same for her. That way no one is bombarded with too many jobs.

 

[Nicks_Chicks]

My neighbor takes care of them

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I have been wondering the same thing! We have 12 chickens but want 4-5 more next Spring. I went on a cruise to Alaska last year and had family members look after our 14 chickens that we had at the time and they pretty much had no troubles giving them food and water. But...In the future...That might change because it might be harder for them since we have a different food situation and such. Plus...So. Much. Bending. Down for them. Also in the far far future I want tons of chickens and I don't know how in the heck I will ever go out of state lol
An idea for you for the food situation, I use a Rubbermaid with those tubes hooked up to it like this:

It probably lasts them two to two and a half weeks or so to finish it all off?? That all depends on how many chickens you have, if they free-range, and if they are standards or bantams. You could do a similar situation with the water using a barrel like in the pic but you would use those little water cups like so:

 

[ValerieJ]

Hire a licensed, insured pet caretaker. Second option is to contact a local 4 H leader and get recommendations as to a trustworthy kid. I pay $35/day to have someone come in once a day and take care of things. I pay more if they come twice a day.

That is such an excellent idea!!! I've been reading this thread because I have to go to my grandson's wedding next year. I do have neighbors, but I'm so picky about my chickens. I will definitely look into 4 H.

 

[theoldchick]

Hire a pet/farm sitter. A good one is worth their weight in gold.