Hurricane Florence, anything I should do?

[Dancing With Chickens]

I live here in NC and this is my first hurricane with chickens. I'm leaving, but I'm leaving my chickens in my garage. It's brick, and there's plenty of places for them to jump on. I have enough food and water in there to last them a week. Anything else? Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If the ventilation is good, you probably have done all you can unless the hurricane takes the roof off of the garage.
Food and water for a week is a beautiful thing. Are there windows for natural light? Power will be out and if it is dark in the garage, they won't be able to see to eat and drink.

 

[llombardo]

If the ventilation is good, you probably have don't all you can unless the hurricane takes the roof off of the garage.
Food and water for a week is a beautiful thing. Are there windows for natural light? Power will be out and if it is dark in the garage, they won't be able to see to eat and drink.

In a case of a hurricane, wouldn't windows be boarded up?

 

[townchicks]

If there is a lot of damage, you may not be able to get back in for more than a week. I would leave more than you think they will need, especially water. Also consider that there may be flooding, put the food and water up as high as you can, but somewhere they can find it. Good luck, hoping your home and chickens make it through unscathed.

 

[adrikeen]

I agree with townchicks. Put everything up at least a foot. I'm trying to think of creative ways to light but if you're gone at least a week, it won't work (batteries will die). There are some motion detection nightlights available but not sure how well they would work in total darkness. I wish you much luck, much safety, and hopefully you are able to come home soon and find your chickens safe and sound!

 

[Soy Milano]

Here is a good infographic - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/chickens-hurricane-infographic

 

[Fishkeeper]

Expect massive flooding. Seriously. Expect to come home to 3 feet of water in your garage. If you plan for that and leave them as much food as possible, they should be OK. Put out all the food and water you can, in case you're away for longer.

Any way you could put them in a dog crate or such and take them with you? That's the safest option if you can manage it.

 

[Shorty22366]

I am not going to leave my birds behind if I have to leave. I have 55 and I have enough crates that they can all go with me. Plus my dog and cat.

 

[jvls1942]

If the ventilation is good, you probably have don't all you can unless the hurricane takes the roof off of the garage.
Food and water for a week is a beautiful thing. Are there windows for natural light? Power will be out and if it is dark in the garage, they won't be able to see to eat and drink.

the OP didn't say how close to the shore they are or if they are in a valley or on a hill .. can't give proper advice without information..

 

[Fluffy&Cutie]

you re in my thoughts. are there any emergency shelters for animals in nc? are their any farms that will care for livestock while you are gone?