Summer vacations

[tdmopar67]

Hey all.

We live in eastern pa and have 8 Hens with a coop and attached run. We built the run to be "predator proof" because we are surrounded by a state park. We have 1/4 inch hardware cloth from top to bottom and for the soffits. On the ground surrounding the coop we have 2x4 hardware cloth.

We have a few trips coming up and we arent positive how to manage this. A lot of people Say you must close the coop itself each night. So that's what we've been doing. However when we are away thats not an option.

I understand they make the automatic doors but my main concern there is locking the chicks outside of the coop if they are not inside in time.

How do you guys go about this conundrum?

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Hey all.

We live in eastern pa and have 8 Hens with a coop and attached run. We built the run to be "predator proof" because we are surrounded by a state park. We have 1/4 inch hardware cloth from top to bottom and for the soffits. On the ground surrounding the coop we have 2x4 hardware cloth.

We have a few trips coming up and we arent positive how to manage this. A lot of people Say you must close the coop itself each night. So that's what we've been doing. However when we are away thats not an option.

I understand they make the automatic doors but my main concern there is locking the chicks outside of the coop if they are not inside in time.

How do you guys go about this conundrum?

I hope someone answers this because I was wondering about the same issue.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're confident in your run being predator proof you could just leave the pop door open and let the chickens come and go as they please.

I have an auto door with timer, and I deliberately set the timer late so no chance of chickens getting stuck outside (they can get caught out if I forgot to keep up with lengthening days early in summer).

If you have a neighbor or nearby friend who is willing to stop by and open/close or check on feed and water for you, that's the absolute best option.

 

[Justso]

I have a house + enclosed run and always leave the house open. I've had no problems with loss, even in a heavy predator area. I say you'll be fine.

 

[tdmopar67]

Thanks!! I'm pretty confident. I would only do this when we have to

 

[aart]

If you have a neighbor or nearby friend who is willing to stop by and open/close or check on feed and water for you, that's the absolute best option.

Good to do, even if you don't need to doors managed.
Best to have someone who knows chickens and can spot a possible problem and know what to do about it.
How long will you be gone?
A few days might be fine,
any longer and someone needs to check on them/feed/water/eggs/etc.

 

[Titantherooster]

Following.

I have similar concerns. My wife and I will be going on vaca in September for two weeks. We will likely have friends and family take turns coming to check on them with food and water. We also purchased an automatic door which is being installed next week from “Ladies First”, got good reviews but can’t comment yet.

Im also concerned about my ducks because while they have a pen we would have to purchase a separate auto door for them too or else be sure to have someone come daily in the morning and evening. Love to hear others experience with longer vacations and keeping livestock.

 

[K0k0shka]

I have an automatic door with a timer, too, and have set it to close well after dark on the longest summer day. That way I can be sure everybody is in by the time it closes. I may change the time in the fall and winter when it starts to get dark dramatically early, but I'd say for months at a time it should be fine without you having to fiddle with it often.

Look for any pet sitting companies in your area, and ask what kinds of animals they can take care of. I'm in the city and didn't have high hopes, but, to my surprise, the pet sitting company we use for our cat when we take long vacations, actually takes care of chickens, too! We travel out of state once a year for 2+ weeks to see family, so I knew this was going to be a thing. I haven't used their chicken services yet, as our vacation this year got canceled because of the coronavirus, but that's a great option to have for long vacations where asking a friend or neighbor for that many check-ins would be too much. Or, if you don't have any formal pet sitting available, offer to pay said neighbor or friend as incentive and to compensate them for the chore.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

If it makes it feel safer, you can lower the door half way to where the birds can get in but other things might think it's too small

 

[rosemarythyme]

If it makes it feel safer, you can lower the door half way to where the birds can get in but other things might think it's too small

That won't do much if a raccoon comes along and simply lifts it open. Or a weasel strolls in.