When you have to leave home....Chicken Hotels

[gallusdomesticus]

Now I've heard of everything.....

http://tinyurl.com/ctjpnel

 

[lorain's fids]

Really not a bad idea, especially for people with small flocks.

 

[CarlyChick]

I was just reading about another chicken hotel!! It makes sense, though, and I'm tempted to set up an extra coop for "guests" as the Twin Cities (MN) has a huge number of backyard chicken flocks. Although in my opinion it would make more sense to offer services as a "Visiting Butler" offering to stop in on the backyard flock once or twice a day while the family is out of town. I would consider doing this for other Twin Cities backyard chicken owners, for a price of course. It is always important to think about the pets when one goes out of town - we're lucky that our neighbors are animal lovers and will take care of our girls (and cat) when we're on vacation, but not everyone has friends/family available to come check on the chickens.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Except for the potential of spreading poultry diseases, as mentioned by Anna Goeser, a pet sitter quoted in the article. She visits peoples homes to care for chickens and at least wears foot coverings and gloves to each place. The person running the boarding facility apparently believes the risk of spreading disease is low because the chickens he boards "don't mingle with other livestock". He clearly knows nothing about poultry/avian diseases and their transmission. Cleaning up poop and sprinkling DE is not going to prevent anything. Cute, fun idea? Yes. Practical and safe for the chickens from a health standpoint? No.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Except for the potential of spreading poultry diseases, as mentioned by Anna Goeser, a pet sitter quoted in the article. She visits peoples homes to care for chickens and at least wears foot coverings and gloves to each place. The person running the boarding facility apparently believes the risk of spreading disease is low because the chickens he boards "don't mingle with other livestock". He clearly knows nothing about poultry/avian diseases and their transmission. Cleaning up poop and sprinkling DE is not going to prevent anything. Cute, fun idea? Yes. Practical and safe for the chickens from a health standpoint? No.

I completely agree. This is a great way to wipe out peoples' cherished pets.

You're much better off with another chicken owner that will shower before coming to your place and disinfect their shoes than taking your birds to a place like this. Reputable dog boarding facilities require vaccinations before you can board your dog, but with many chicken diseases there's no way to vaccinate.

 

[NYREDS]

Now I've heard of everything.....

http://tinyurl.com/ctjpnel

Kepp reading this site. The off-the-wall stuff here is endless.

 

[CarlyChick]

Hmm yeah you all bring up good points about the diseases, I guess I never thought about that. Although one of the Chicken Hotel places in the UK uses diatomaceous earth in the coops to reduce parasites and other illnesses.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

DE would only help prevent the spread of external parasites like mites and lice. It would not have any effect on any other illness or health issues.

Have any of you ever paid someone to take care of your flock? I will be out of the country for two weeks at the end of the year and am exploring options. I am wondering what your experience was?

 

[cubbysan]

DE would only help prevent the spread of external parasites like mites and lice. It would not have any effect on any other illness or health issues.

Have any of you ever paid someone to take care of your flock? I will be out of the country for two weeks at the end of the year and am exploring options. I am wondering what your experience was?

I hired my neighbor who is an Eagle boy scout to take care of my ducks, cats and bunny. He used the money to pay towards summer camp and was able to use the pet sitting experience for one of his badges. His parents of course were his back up to follow up and in case something happened. A snake did get into the coop, so they did take care of that for me too. I was very happy with how things worked out.

 

[BrendaJ]

There are pet sitters who will come to your house & care for your flock & other animals