Official BYC Poll: When You Travel, Who Looks After Your Chickens?

[Hensintexas]

I voted that I don't travel, but it's not necessarily that I don't want to leave my girls with anyone, it's more that I just don't like to travel.

Me too. All of our family is within 1 to 4 hours away, so that’s not a problem. We are pretty isolated here, with our nearest neighbor 1/4 mile away, and we look after each other.

 

[Pierre duck drake]

I don't like to travel because every. Single. Time. A duck gets eaten! Literally every time!

 

[BlackbeardTheGuinea]

I am DREADING leaving my chickens when we go to visit friends or family.

Me to!

 

[BDutch]

Still best if someone gathers eggs daily, to keep raccoons and other predators from coming in, esp if you're going to be gone several days.

Totally agree on this one. I was just answering a question about mornings and chicken bedtime.
Even if I’m away for just a night and day , I ask a neighbor to check the chickens, give them clean water, and feed them during the day.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Totally agree on this one. I was just answering a question about mornings and chicken bedtime.
Even if I’m away for just a night and day , I ask a neighbor to check the chickens, give them clean water, and feed them during the day.

I love it when people I respect agree with me! Thanks, @BDutch!

 

[Flockincrazy]

My niece comes and takes care of my animals dogs, cats, bunnies, chickens, ducks

 

[Jenessa_096]

The only time when we left our chickens was way back when our chickens were only a couple months old, and I didn’t get to choose where they were left. My parents left them at my aunts house, where they kept them in the garage because they aren’t allowed to have chickens in their neighborhood. They ended up escaping and pooping all over their house! I haven’t left them anywhere meanwhile my family has traveled a lot without me, but it’s worth it to stay with my girls!

 

[fuentemoon]

We haven't both gone away more than one night since getting chickens. There is an event one town away we camp at for a few nights and my partner has made the trip back and forth each day. We have cats and a big lizard too, so it is hard to find someone willing.

We did just get an auto door, so hoping for an overnight camping trip this summer. One day away is usually ok.

 

[BuffetChicken]

Maybe this is helpfull?:
I have special predator bird netting and cat netting (with a thin iron thread in it) on top of the two runs I have. I prefer the cat netting. Above 6’ it works against foxes too.
After installing a automatic pop door to the run , my neighbours only have to come once a day, to feed the flock. The auto pop door can open and close on time or brightness (lumen) of you’re choice. It also can open/close by pushing a button.

Thanks! I haven't heard of cat netting. I'll look into it. That may be easier (and will likely be less expensive) than chain link to cover the run.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

I'm not gone often, but this past summer a couple family members took care of them.