I don't know what to do!

[Katthechickenamateur]

My family wants to go on a month long trip to western USA. I'm getting 6 baby chicks on April 12th, and we're planning on leaving May 15th ish. By then, the chicks will be a month old and growing their feathers. Here are the issues. 1. We could probably move them outside but then their in a new environment, and without me. Plus, even though we'll have someone looking after them, I'll still be worried about predator safety. 2. I'll be missing bonding time, and they'll be growing a lot, which I do not want to miss. 3. I won't even enjoy the trip because I'll be worried about them.

My parents are saying they can cancel it, but I know how much they wanted to go, and I don't want to be a party pooper.

What should I do?
-Katherine

 

[snood dude]

If you can get a goose get one. They will alert the chickens of predators and fight off predators.

 

[snood dude]

If you cant get a goose I would get a flighty noisy rooster. They will alert the chickens of predators.

 

[Geena]

Wait until you return from vacation to get chicks.

 

[3KillerBs]

Wait until you return from vacation to get chicks.

I agree.

 

[rosemarythyme]

x3. Cancel the chicks until later when you have the time to devote to them. A month is a long time to be away from a flock of any age. Enjoy the vacation.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

If you can get a goose get one. They will alert the chickens of predators and fight off predators.

This isn't something that is suggested often because it's cruel to get one goose as a flock protector. The goose will lead a lonely life as they don't speak the same language as chickens. That doesn't mean that they won't learn to communicate with each other somewhat but it's not the same as having a real life friend with common interests and habits. I know that there are people in the world that have one goose and I respect that it's their prerogative. I just wanted to offer more information

 

[snood dude]

This isn't something that is suggested often because it's cruel to get one goose as a flock protector. The goose will lead a lonely life as they don't speak the same language as chickens. That doesn't mean that they won't learn to communicate with each other somewhat but it's not the same as having a real life friend with common interests and habits. I know that there are people in the world that have one goose and I respect that it's their prerogative. I just wanted to offer more information

I have a goose and she is by herself and she is happy but thankyou for your opinion.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also suggest waiting til after the trip. It will still be early enough in the year for them to be well grown before winter. It would be a win win win.

The trip still gets to happen, you get to enjoy the trip and you get to be there while the chicks grow.

 

[Katthechickenamateur]

Thank you so much for your time and responses! I figured it out and postponed the chicks until after we get back. Thank you all again!