We've had chickens since mid-December last year and for the first time since then, there's a chance someone other than DH or I may need to take care of our 16 chickens. DH has a 4 day/3 night job about 4 hours from home and he wants me to go along since he won't be able to come home after the day's work is done. I'd like to go but am a bit anxious about our birds.
We have friends that would be willing to check in on them a couple times a day. They have a small farm similar to ours and live close by. Is bio-security an issue since they have chickens too? Is it enough that they would come in the morning & evening? They would have to collect eggs, feed, water and lock up at night.
We also have 6 goats and our meat rabbits just had babies that the mothers are nursing. These animals would have to be watered and while the goats can graze, the rabbits have to be fed.
What sort of things do you consider when asking someone to take care of your flock? Is this too much to ask of someone (we would pay them)? Am I worried about too much?
Yikes, I feel like the 1st time mom leaving her kids with a sitter. Maybe since this isn't a family emergency situation, I should stay home. Advice please!
We have friends that would be willing to check in on them a couple times a day. They have a small farm similar to ours and live close by. Is bio-security an issue since they have chickens too? Is it enough that they would come in the morning & evening? They would have to collect eggs, feed, water and lock up at night.
We also have 6 goats and our meat rabbits just had babies that the mothers are nursing. These animals would have to be watered and while the goats can graze, the rabbits have to be fed.
What sort of things do you consider when asking someone to take care of your flock? Is this too much to ask of someone (we would pay them)? Am I worried about too much?
Yikes, I feel like the 1st time mom leaving her kids with a sitter. Maybe since this isn't a family emergency situation, I should stay home. Advice please!