No chicken sitter

[DonnaScott]

I go on vacation maybe twice a year for 4 to 5 days and I dont have a sitter for my Guinea Hens. My cage is heavy and solid. Would I be able to get away with not closing their coop up at night?

Can I leave the nightlight on in the coop the entire time, while they sleep?

Am I horrible for even considering this?

Water and food I have covered.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I leave my coop doors shut when I go on vacation, but they have a rather big run inside the coop. How much space do you have in your coop and how many chickens?

If you are already using a heatlamp you will have to use it the rest of this winter, even if it means in is on the whole night. Your chickens are probably used to the heat and if you take it away they will freeze.

No, you are not horrible, you just are trying to do what's best for your chickies!

 

[DonnaScott]

I leave my coop doors shut when I go on vacation, but they have a rather big run inside the coop. How much space do you have in your coop and how many chickens?

If you are already using a heatlamp you will have to use it the rest of this winter, even if it means in is on the whole night. Your chickens are probably used to the heat and if you take it away they will freeze.

No, you are not horrible, you just are trying to do what's best for your chickies!

I have a night light so they can see. No heater. I use the deep method to compost in the coop for heat. I wont be doing any vacations in the winter either.

I have 8 guinea hens and their coop is not large enough for them to stay in for a week. I'm sure of that.

 

[DonnaScott]

Note: they definitly would need access to their run.

 

[PioneerChicks]

I have a night light so they can see. No heater. I use the deep method to compost in the coop for heat. I wont be doing any vacations in the winter either.

I have 8 guinea hens and their coop is not large enough for them to stay in for a week. I'm sure of that.

I don't think they would need the light then, but I can't be sure because I don't use lights for night lights. Hopefully somebody else will give you better advice on that.

I guess that it would be risky to open the door, but if it will make the chickens happy it would probably work. If the predators are used to the doors always being closed then eventually they will get to the point where they barely even try. Now days I sometimes leave the coop open when I leave for just one night and I haven't had predator problems in a whole year (except for when a fox ran off with one of my pullets in broad daylight). I'm no expert on coops or predators, so others might have more information!

 

[sealer39]

If your run is secure let them have it while you’re gone. Just make sure they have plenty of water and feed. Multiple waterers and feeders are good in case one fails. Enjoy your vacation!

 

[DonnaScott]

If your run is secure let them have it while you’re gone. Just make sure they have plenty of water and feed. Multiple waterers and feeders are good in case one fails. Enjoy your vacation!

I'm on the 100 percent already. Just curious how easy it actually is for a predator to dig under. Havent had one try since I got them in June ....tough decisions!

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I go on vacation maybe twice a year for 4 to 5 days and I dont have a sitter for my Guinea Hens. My cage is heavy and solid. Would I be able to get away with not closing their coop up at night?

Can I leave the nightlight on in the coop the entire time, while they sleep?

Am I horrible for even considering this?

Water and food I have covered.

Not sure if you’ve already left for your trip, but I just came back from a trip. I was able to find a pet sitter who takes care of chickens. My guineas just have their coops with no run, but they have automatic doors on a timer. Chickens have an attached run, but also an automatic door for their coop. Roosters have a coop attached to run, but no door between them. Is that your setup?