How do you manage?

[Ninjasquirrel]

DST has screwed up my whole system. I used to get home and have plenty of time to feed and water the girls and do household chores before it got dark. Now I barely have time just to feed and water. By the time im done its dark and they are all in the coop. I know the best solution would be an automatic feed and water system but its too late now because we dont have time in the evenings to build one. How is everyone else holding up with this? I cant be alone in my frustration

 

[rosemarythyme]

I manage... by not working (for pay). If I actually got paid for the work I do my husband couldn't afford me.

 

[IamRainey]

I get so disoriented from changng the time cycles. But this year we went to Asia (14 hr. time difference) and just came back the week before the end of DST. Since I'm already so screwed up I hardly noticed the regular annual switch over.

But, seriously, is there a reason not to use things like gravity feed waterers and feeders? I just check on my chickens' supply and top them off a couple times a week.

 

[Shadrach]

It’s not often mentioned when people get chickens that responsible care is likely to inconvenience you either in time, or in money.
Oh but the chicken puts itself to bed I’ve heard people say. They put themselves up a tree here if I’m not there at dusk.
They need to go to roost with a full crop to remain healthy. In a run you might be able to leave enough food down, but free range lots of other creatures eat chicken food, even the sheep here.
There is a descriptive term for people who don’t take holidays, rarely have free days, rush off in the middle of a social meeting at strange hours and are often covered in poop; they’re called farmers.

 

[GRB73]

I leave food and water out all day long. When cold weather hits, I'll rush home to feed them some cracked corn just before they settle into their coop for the night. I really miss seeing the girls when I get home from work now that it gets dark so early. . I know they miss their early evening free ranging!

 

[Folly's place]

I have feeders that are large enough to last for two days or more, and also waterers that don't run dry in one day. Everything gets topped off as needed, so that's not an issue. Locking them in at dusk can be a problem with my work schedule, and sometimes they stay in so it's not a problem. I also have DH, who can let them out or lock them in when I'm not home. Also a neighbor who loves the eggs, and will help.
Mary

 

[DobieLover]

DST has screwed up my whole system. I used to get home and have plenty of time to feed and water the girls and do household chores before it got dark. Now I barely have time just to feed and water. By the time im done its dark and they are all in the coop. I know the best solution would be an automatic feed and water system but its too late now because we dont have time in the evenings to build one. How is everyone else holding up with this? I cant be alone in my frustration

I violate the speed limit on the way home!!
Just kidding (kind of).
I have someone who's home to feed them at my beck and call. Not a bad dealio.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I violate the speed limit on the way home!!
Just kidding (kind of).
I have someone who's home to feed them at my beck and call. Not a bad dealio.

Gotta get me one of those lol. Ive just been trying to get off early

 

[Lady Lionheart]

This is my set up. The waterer holds 3 gallons. Food lasts for over a week for 12 chickens. (But right now I am giving them water in separate containers because of freezing. Didn't think of that when we built this)

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

I get so disoriented from changng the time cycles. But this year we went to Asia (14 hr. time difference) and just came back the week before the end of DST. Since I'm already so screwed up I hardly noticed the regular annual switch over.

But, seriously, is there a reason not to use things like gravity feed waterers and feeders? I just check on my chickens' supply and top them off a couple times a week.

We were going to set up a system for this but...life happens. Definately next summer