How long to keep chickens in their coop while we're gone?

[cjpines]

We have a small coop with 6 chickens, age 10 weeks. We have to go away for three days and wondered if they would be okay in the coop for that long with plenty of water and food. They are used to being outside all day, so I wonder if they will pick at each other. Or maybe we should get a pet sitter?
What is the shortest and longest anyone has had their chickens in the coop?

 

[sumi]

I think it would be better to at the very least get someone to check in on them once a day. Even if you leave them food and water they could easily knock over or spill the water and be stuck without. And trust me, if a chicken can find a way to spill it's water, it will! If you are going to leave them in the coop all day they are going to bored and may get aggressive, so give them something to entertain themselves with a bit. Hang a cabbage in there for them to peck at, or something edible that will last awhile. Maybe you could get whoever is checking on them to let them out for a bit before roost time?

 

[cjpines]

Thank that's what I thought. Do you want to check on them? Joking. It's hard finding someone, I guess I will have to pay a pet sitter $20 a visit, Hum.

 

[sumi]

I'd love to, but I'm 1000's of miles away from you unfortunately

$20 a visit is a bit steep. Don't you know anyone with some teenage kids that would like to earn a little money?

 

[cjpines]

Gee, thanks for the offer, but toooo far away. I have a cousin I will ask.

 

[RonP]

My birds were "cooped up" for weeks at a time. They don't like to walk on snow and we had an unusually bad winter with snow and ice. I have 10 birds with 50 square feet of coop space. They were fine.

 

[cjpines]

Thanks, I know our birds don't like cold and windy weather and stay in. I may try them for one day and night to see how they do.

 

[Sunnysidedown]

We'll be in a similar situation later this summer and be away for a few days too. I'm testing out a large hanging feeder and waterer now to see how long it takes the chickens to get into trouble and how long they last until needing refilling. At least they seem to be unable to spill anything so far. But our chicks will have a very secure attached run as well as the coop to contain them so they won't be cooped up. Good luck!

 

[Carolyn]

If they are not over crowded and you have them in a predator proof situation they should be okay for 3 days. Use 2 or 3 waters and you might want to add a little ACV. Add a feed block and use 2 feeders at least. If they have an uncovered area a dog bowl left in the open can be a potential source for fresh water. Give them some scratch, fresh veggies, grass, etc to give them something to keep them busy. By all means do a trial run first.

I was always afraid to ask the neighbor boy because I thought his dog might tag along to help. There is also the reliability factor in fastening gates, etc unless this is someone who also keeps and understands chickens. I have family who live within 15 miles and I get them to check a couple of times a week.

 

[cjpines]

Thank you. You are lucky to have a secure run, that really makes a difference for them.