Vacation or evening out

[Newchickey]

I plan on having a coop and a fully enclosed run. Hubby is wondering about vacation, such as we were gone for the weekend this last weekend. What about out to dinner and a movie even and you wont be home until after dark? We just moved, we don't know anyone and that will take a long time. We are very private people, that is why we opted for being out in the country. We had to take the cats with us this last weekend as one is disabled and I cant do the put enough food and water out for two days thing that you can usually do with cats. But we dont mind taking them at all.

Advice being gone for an evening, weekend, week with chickens?

 

[sourland]

I have a 'bonded' pet sitter - farm girl. Who cares for the animals when we are away. She is dependable and does a good job. Without her we would be unable to go anywhere.

 

[Newchickey]

Where would I find someone like that? I have always had Vet techs who would take care of our kitties when we were gone since the one needs special care. When we got here last month I took them all in on a meet in greet with the vet, no one in the office pet sits and they didnt know of anyone. That really surprised me.

 

[sourland]

There are several who advertise in our local paper. The person that we use has been known to us for 40 years. Sometimes a 4 H club can recommend a competent kid who provides such a service. It is essential to find someone that you can trust 100 %.

 

[TundraRose]

Do you only have chickens? You could just put enough food and water in the coop to last that long . They must be free range. I would just put them in the coop early if you have a date. Mine are in a run and when it gets late they just go inside and I lock up when I get home.

 

[donrae]

If you have a predator proof run, you don't need to be there at night. Chickens put themselves to bed nicely. If you just leave the door between the coop and the run open (or don't have an actual door, just an opening like I do) you can be gone a few days without problems. Fill up the feeder, have an extra waterer just in case, and go enjoy your trip.

I second having someone available to watch your birds--a paid person is usually a good idea. 4-H or FFA kids are great at this, in my opinion. They're used to animals, responsible, and the older ones can drive themsleves. Plus, they always need money! Folks around here advertise for pet/farm sitting, have you checked your local Craigslist, etc? If you like the vet tech, call some other vet offices. You can also check with your local humane society-type shelter, they often have volunteers that pet/farm sit. One bonus there is to volunteer they've already passed a background check.

 

[bobbi-j]

If you have a predator proof run, you don't need to be there at night. Chickens put themselves to bed nicely. If you just leave the door between the coop and the run open (or don't have an actual door, just an opening like I do) you can be gone a few days without problems. Fill up the feeder, have an extra waterer just in case, and go enjoy your trip.

Yep, this is what I do! I have runs attached to both coops and have left the chickens for a few days when my mom hasn't been able to come check in on them.

 

[superdeluxe]

I plan on having a coop and a fully enclosed run. Hubby is wondering about vacation, such as we were gone for the weekend this last weekend. What about out to dinner and a movie even and you wont be home until after dark? We just moved, we don't know anyone and that will take a long time. We are very private people, that is why we opted for being out in the country. We had to take the cats with us this last weekend as one is disabled and I cant do the put enough food and water out for two days thing that you can usually do with cats. But we dont mind taking them at all.

Advice being gone for an evening, weekend, week with chickens?

1- if you can have a neighbor let them in and out of their coop at night, that would be the best way to go. Ours free range, So the neighbor showed up in the morning to let them out/fill up feed water, and put them to bed in the evening. We gave him a dozen fresh free range eggs for his trouble I felt it was a fair trade. (we were gone for 2 days.)

2- If you can't do that, then the next best option would be having them in a secure run, but you would be taking the chance if the Run is not as secure as your Coop. They would be able to come in and out.