How to leave your flock?

[GardenTillers44]

It's been over two years since my wife and I have taken a day off from the farm together. We have never left the flock before, so are planning our strategy for a get-away at some point. We would appreciate any tips you all have from your experiences. We have 18 hens and 2 roos and live in a place that is not convenient to anyone (heaven!) and our nearest neighbor that we could count on is about a mile away. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[CapricornFarm]

Lots of different waterers, and fill up the feeder well. Have someone check them daily to collect eggs.

 

[GardenTillers44]

Yeah, I'm thinking we could probably hire the neighbor's teenage son to help out. He has experience with chickens, but my wife doesn't trust him with her babies (or the farm). One of our ideas was to see if we could get a friend or relative to come stay for a week. It could be a vacation for them as well...hike the trails, enjoy the solitude of country life, and have all the eggs you can eat. We just had 10 of my wife's relatives on the farm today for a reunion...no takers from that bunch, but we planted the seed .

 

[sannabelle]

I have a college aged lady come and "farm sit" for me if we have to leave!! It's a vacation for her, and I pay her also. Always come back to happy well taken care of animals.

I know her because she volunteers for a rescue that I work for.

I'm sure someone in your family- a niece or nephew?, would be suitable for the job!!

Good luck!

 

[GardenTillers44]

sannabelle: "I have a college aged lady come and "farm sit" for me if we have to leave!! It's a vacation for her, and I pay her also. Always come back to happy well taken care of animals."

Someone to "farm sit" is our preferred choice. It solves a lot of issues. Thanks!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Got the same "problem" and I have only 4BO Hubby don't trust anyone staying at the house, I don't trust anyone with my girls

 

[CapricornFarm]

Got the same "problem" and I have only 4BO Hubby don't trust anyone staying at the house, I don't trust anyone with my girls

No neighbors close by that could help?

 

[GardenTillers44]

ChickNanny13: "Hubby don't trust anyone staying at the house, I don't trust anyone with my girls"

x2
Another option we discussed was enjoying our girls for a couple more years then give them to the neighbor. He loves chickens, takes good care of them and has plenty of room and facilities (and won't eat them!) Then we could take a chicken hiatus load up the camper and do the all-summer trek to Alaska we have on our bucket list. Well, one can always dream!

 

[sourland]

I have a licensed pet care person come in daily. Her primary clientele is dog people, but she grew up on a farm and knows poultry. Have you considered your local 4 H for recommendation of a reliable kid ?

 

[GardenTillers44]

sourland: "Have you considered your local 4 H for recommendation of a reliable kid?"

4-H is a great idea! My wife teaches beekeeping classes for the local 4-H in high school, so we have an "in" there. We can ask the teachers & advisors. We thought about checking with our vet also since I saw some animal/pet care business cards tacked on her bulletin board. She might know some farm care services as well. Thanks!