Leaving chcickens alone?

[Mamachic1967]

I just got news that I have to have surgery and will be away from my chickens for 3 days I am very worried they can't be left alone! I read the other posts about other chicken farmers that have left their chickens and it put my mind at ease, some.... I am getting 12 laying chickens June 30. I lie in the North, so there is lots of wildlife; wolves, foxes, etc. We have a chicken house that measures 8 feet x 5 feet. I thought of leaving the trp door open for them to get out as they wanted but I'm worried about nightime predators. We will leave lots of food and have 2 watering stations. I have no one to collect the eggs so I'm hoping they won't mind if the eggs don't get collected for 3 days. I am getting my chickens June 30 and my surgery is July 16. I'm leaving July 15 in the morning and returning July 17 late. At least i hope that's the plan. I'm very concerned about leaving themand I guess I just need to know they will still be alive when I return. Maybe I should cancel my order, but that would be upsetting as I've been waiting a year to raise chickens. What do you all think?

 

[keesmom]

They should be fine for 3 days provided you leave enough food and water. Water is the most important. You say you have 2 watering stations. What size containers are they?

Don't leave the pop door open the whole time.

 

[Mamachic1967]

They are 5 gallon about. I have 2. I will leave trap door closed then, will they be okay in that space for 3 days if I leave their ventilation window open then for light and air?

 

[Majd]

Sorry to hear that you have surgery hope all goes well for you!
I would leave them in the coop woth plenty of water and food available with nothing opened! Uless the ventilation window has wire on it!
You seem to have more than enough water and food... So hope all goes well for you and your birds!

 

[Mamachic1967]

Thank you. Yes the window is covered with chicken wire. I will have the radio playing for them too. I'm new to this and maybe worrying more than I need to. Thanks for your message.

 

[Majd]

You're so welcome! And update us about your flock when they come soon!

 

[Mamachic1967]

Will do, thanks.

 

[keesmom]

They will be fine. I use a radio during the summer when I have to go away too. Just make sure it's talk radio.

 

[Mamachic1967]

God idea!

 

[Mamachic1967]

How much food should I leave for 12 chickens for 3 days? I want to be sure they have lots and lots of food. The water issue is resoled, but not sure if my 2 feet x 2 feet trough full of seed will be enough for the 3 days or should I make a bigger one; say 4 ft x 4 ft work better?