Temporary Boarding while trying to sell house — is that a thing?

[clanfortress]

We’re about to put our home on the market but to max out the return we’ve been advised to remove the animals either every open house or as a temporary boarding.

We’re moving out of the suburbs to farm land which is awesome but… I have no idea where to look or how to even start looking for temporary boarding for my chickens and ducks in Los Angeles county (heck, I’d drive out of the county if it’s a good place).

How have others approached this? What solutions have you come up with? Know anyone in so cal? Would love ideas.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Boarding isn't a great idea from a biosecurity standpoint as you'd be exposing them to whatever diseases and pathogens other boarders would've brought with them. If your coop(s) is big enough to lock them in for a few hours (as most open houses only run 3-4 hours), that would be a better bet for their safety and to keep them mostly out of sight. At least that's how most open houses I've seen have dealt with poultry.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Huh. If I were the potential buyer, I'd find chickens only add to the charm. But that's me. Good luck selling.

 

[Ridgerunner]

We’re about to put our home on the market but to max out the return we’ve been advised to remove the animals either every open house or as a temporary boarding.

I can see this in the suburbs. Most people buying in the suburbs aren't going to be interested in chickens and will worry about the mess or diseases. So clean it up well. Those interested will see by your coop that it is chicken ready. When I sold the buyer was so pleased to see the coop and run, but she never actually got chickens.

How have others approached this? What solutions have you come up with?

I got rid of my flock entirely. If you want to, it is not that hard to start over. Sure simplifies moving, both in the logistics of moving and getting a place ready for them. But I don't have individual pets, I have a flock that has some different parts every year.

My first thought is to talk to your county extension office. It can't hurt and you might get a pleasant surprise.

See if there is a chicken Facebook group near you. Chat with them.

See if you can put up a notice at your feed store. Some of them have bulletin boards you can use.

Talk to your minister. You might be surprised what they know about their flock.

Good luck!

 

[Mrs. K]

I too am an advocate of selling these. Cleaning things up, selling the house, buying a new place, and getting a new flock.

Moving chickens is going to be very stressful, moving them to a place, then home, to a place back and forth is going to put the stress for you and the birds through the roof.

The thing is, buying chicks and raising them up is one is fun.

Mrs K

 

[Penpal]

It partly depends on how much space you have in your backyard. If you have a very small space even four chickens would be a detriment. If you have a large yard and can put the birds in a corner of it, and keep it cleaned out, you are probably okay.

 

[Seaslug]

I wouldn't sell my girls, so I can understand your hesitancy. Sometimes places like a daycare or school will raise chicks or include chickens/ducks in a unit about farming, ecology, or nutrient cycles. I don't know how many birds you have, but perhaps if you know someone working in education and you were willing to loan the birds, the coop, and the food to them, the school could provide housing within the school yard until such time as you sell your place? Or what about a public community garden or public library (or as mentioned, an extension office?) Same sort of deal, where you could allow your birds to go to a previously bird-free area and provide some community learning while you need to be bird-free and then that relationship can be reversed once you are in your new permanent location? As long as the temporary area can be secured and the bird's daily needs met, the birds provide a teaching service to the public. It may be a possibility.