Impending Vacation

[desertgirl]

Dh and I are going to Europe next month for two weeks. There are still no other Critter Sitters here in NM, so I guess we are on our own.
My BIL and SIL will check on them, but I'm not sure about frequency. If they come by a few (2-3 )times per week to check on them and I leave huge things of feed and water, think they'll be ok? Also, they are used to free ranging during the day. As there may not be anyone consistantly letting them in and out, we have started changing their schedule a bit (keeping them in during the day, letting them out later etc). Does this sound stupid?

It just seems like they are kind of creatures of habit, and I don't want to rock their little worlds!

 

[desertgirl]

?

 

[Metanoia]

Noone commented yet??

I'll have a crack.

I guess it depends on the expected weather of the weeks you're away.

If the temperature remains mild and the food containers are large enough and safe from pests like mice, then I think it will be ok as long as they are checked twice a week so that someone is keeping their water clean and food topped up.

If it was going to be very hot or very cold then I think they'd need extra attention.

 

[2DogsFarm]

For petsitters try checking with your local boarding barn.
Horseowners NEED someone at least once a day when they're off the farm. And if someone is capable of caring for horses, chickens should be no problem - meaning they will be used to making sure water is clean and gates are latched. They also can scoop poop for you if needed.

My horsesitter took care of my chickens when I had to go to CA for a week.
She charges $10/visit and I need her to come twice a day for the horses anyhow, so adding a chickencheck was no Biggie to her.

I feel more comfortable with someone coming by at least once a day, but I do leave my housecat on her own - with a huge bowl of dry food and an auto-waterer for as long as a week.
Tihs time I had the horsesitter check on her too, but just one time to give her some canned food.

 

[cristy17]

We go on vacation for a week at a time. Usually my mom or FIL "chicksits". I put out 2 3-gallon feeders and 2 5-gallon waterers before I leave. The folks are there everyday to check on the flock. Even if they did skip a day, the birds are fine. The eggs just add up. I have 20 assorted birds and 3 ducks and we haven't had a problem yet.

 

[LynneP]

Oh my. Once a day is minimum, in my estimation. I'd want twice a day, actually, to ensure no accidents or predation. Promise your caregivers something very nbice from your trip...or look for a 4-H kid who would like the responsibility and some cash.

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

There are some neighborhood kids in our place of residence, and they ALL love coming to look at the chickens and fight about who gets to take care of them! I pay about 5.00 a day for them.

 

[Land of Lost Toys]

Neighbors...? My neighbors couldn't wait until we got chickens. They are happy to care for them while we are out of town because they get the eggs. For 6 months all I kept hearing was, "when are you getting the chickens?" Now, I hear, "Are you going out of town? We'll watch the chickens."

 

[siroiszoo]

Have you tried going to www.petsit.com; clicking on the "Locate a Pet Sitter" at the top right; then typing in your zip code?




Susan
Pet Sitter
Waller, TX