I plan on going away for 3 weeks in August. I don't have someone yet to care for my 3 chickens, but when I do, I don't expect them to let them out in their run, as I don't know anybody who is a chicken lover and am expecting them to just make sure the feeder and waterer are full - maybe come 2 times per week. Is this ok? Will the hens be ok for 3 weeks "all cooped up"? I still have time to make other arrangements, but these are my initial thoughts. My ideal would be to have a chicken lover come and hang out with my hens for a couple hours and let them out. Anybody in the Queens, NY area? (Yes, I am raising chickens in NYC)
I don't know how big your coop is but it seems to me that you might have far too much poop build up that could create a really unsanitary situation. Just a thought.
I agree.. There must be a pet sitter service that could come out and let them out for you... good luck!
how big is the coop, is there natural light in there and good ventilation? what type of litter on the floor? if ~ 30 s.f. or so, enough natural light for them to see during the day, adequate ventilation, plenty of wood shavings or absorbant litter on the floor, waterer raised above wood chips to keep it clean, I think they will be fine.
Three weeks, in August, in Queens? Sound like a recipe for dead birds to me, sorry. Unless your coop has more vents than solid walls, they're gonna get too hot. I'm guessing you can't leave them with access to the run due to predator issues? I would look into predator proofing the run between now and then and just leave them open to it for the time. If it's another reason you can't leave the run open to them, post it and we can brainstorm. Or decide you need to pay someone to come over twice a day and let them in/out.
I have my run connected directly to my coop, and my run is fenced with sturdy non chicken wire + chicken wire. I leave the pop up door open most of the year, and they get up when they want and go in and roost when they want. Chickens need space, fresh air and light, I think the above post about heat and humidity is a valid post too! Deep liter will be definitely needed or the smell is going to be horrendous and that much ammonia could also be a health issue. I think that answer is 'no, you should not keep them locked up in a coop for 3 solid weeks.' MrsK
Do you have any neighbor kids that you could hire on? Pay them to train with you for a week on how to get the girls in and out and then employee them for the three weeks to not only feed and water your flock but to let them in and out, light clean or refill the litter, and observe them for any health issues. It doesn't have to be a chicken lover, just a responsible kid who wants to earn some money.
That is way to long and a couple times a week is not nearly enough to have someone look in on them, you can def find someone to come daily and feed and water and let them stretch their legs, many people do that kind of thing, Ive done it for people, so start asking around Now so you don't get in a bind, ask a vets office if they know of people that do home pet care visits, Im sure they will
