How do you go on vacation with chickens?

[gimmie birdies]

I just went to S. Korea in oct/Nov. 2 weeks. We had a 5 gallon heated water-er, and lots of food, for the 5 chickens/12 week old chicks we had. We came back and they still had food and water. I did give them the same food and water amounts for 2 weeks while home, and knew they had enough.

 

[SkyAJK]

Thank you!! I mean... It sure is a vacation, walking to the chicken coop? All those fluffy butts are almost as pretty as a waterfall!

You got that right! Those fluffy butts almost as pretty as a waterfall.

 

[Sally PB]

I had a neighbor take care of my chickens while I went away. Not my next door neighbor who has chickens of her own, someone else.

That someone else is not able to care for my chickens any longer, and I will not have the next door neighbor do it, as our management styles are VERY different.

So, I don't go on vacation. I didn't go to a friend's wedding in Colorado, I didn't go visit my husband's family, or a friend who has cancer.

I would not have a moment's peace or rest if the next door neighbor were caring for my chickens, so going away would not be a vacation at all for me. It would be a stress-filled time of angst. I can't go the route of "leave out enough water/food for the entire time I'm gone," as I do not ever leave food or water out over night, as it attracts mice.

Might I someday find another chicken sitter? Sure. But if not, I will be content to stay home with my chickens.

When I got chickens, I understood that this might happen, and I am at peace with it. It's what I signed up for when I brought home my little fluffy chicks. Their well being is my responsibility.

 

[townchicks]

I pay a pet sitter to check on the chickens daily. I would never be comfortable just leaving them with enough food and water, but that's me. Stuff happens ya know? Peace of mind is what makes it a vacation.

 

[tlcmurphy]

When we go on vacation, we keep our birds confined to their secure coop and run. I’m sure they’re not happy not getting to free range in the afternoons but at least I know I’ll still have birds when I get back.
We pay our sitter to come every other day to refill water, food and collect eggs. She also likes to chat with them . This has worked well for us over the 4 years of chicken keeping.

 

[Squawkers]

like people have said, I think you should hire someone. Your neighbors are obviously not a good choice, since you already know they don’t like the chickens.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have 7. Most of my neighbors already dislike my chickens because of thete noise.

You might be able to find someone via craigslist or facebook. Check out sites like Rover. Or even check with some of the veterinary offices and chat with some of the vet techs.. or someone at work if you have people working in your family.

My vets office treats exotics (like parrots) and even has kennel services.. where the birds can stay there.. it's not cheap, but then neither is vacation.

Man, if you think it's hard getting someone to stop by for chickens.. it's almost impossible with (mini) pigs! I literally had someone move in to our spare bedroom for pet sitting. It worked okay for a while and for the major vacation I was planning at the time. Long term.. definitely NOT recommended.

 

[Squawkers]

My vets office treats exotics (like parrots) and even has kennel services.. where the birds can stay there.. it's not cheap, but then neither is vacation.

Wow! I had no idea that was a thing

 

[Bawkbok]

Animals are the reason we never take vacations. It's not worth the headache, heartache or worry wondering if they're ok or not. I don't even like being gone for more than 4 hours during the day. With the holidays coming up and obligatory family gatherings, I worry about the well being of my animals. When one is home and present with them all the time, your absence will be noticed and felt, which could create stress from a stranger filling in. I wish you luck with finding a solution and hopefully your vacation will be stress free.

 

[jreardon1918]

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 have been a few recent trips. Nothing longer than a week.

For a week I have a two and a five gallon bucket with horizontal nipples. They easily last a week for 11 hens. I have tested in various conditions to make sure. Although, if I go skiing this year I may need to buy a 2nd bucket heater. Or ask that the 5 gallon bucket be topped off after every 5 days.

I also have two home made feeders. A small and a large one. They too hold enough feed for about 10 days. My neighbor can just look and see if there is still feed. Again, I have tested to make sure they last.

Additionally I have a neighbor (and close friend) who comes daily to to take a head count, check that there is still food and water. She takes the eggs. If needed she has access to extra feed and of course water.

This has worked well for me. My neighbor and I are close. So this arrangement is not a huge ask. If I needed a backup I would ask the folks that run the kennel where I board the dog. They are great people and I bet I could pay one of them for the same daily care.

I hope this helps.