Will they remember me?

[bawkbawkbawk]

My girls will be six weeks old on Wednesday. We're going to transition them into the coop a bit early because we're going out of town for a week. Hoping to get them into the coop end of this week so we have a few days for them to adjust before we leave.

I think they've figured out that I'm the "meal worm" lady and they seem to be able to differentiate between me and other people as they run toward me when I approach them, while initially they run away from others. So I think they know who I am. But are they smart enough to remember me after I've been gone a week or will they have forgotten me?

Kind of embarrassed to say that it matters. I've gotten really attached to them, dumb cluck that I am

 

[Thomas423]

I went away for 10 days and my girls remembered me. They were all happy to see me.
In fact, my spoiled LuLu wouldn't have anything to do with me for about 3 days. Then she got over it and forgave me for being away and now she is lovie dovie again. I think she was mad at me for being away so long. She knew who I was....she was just standoffish.

But maybe not....they are just chickens ya know.

 

[chickenpearl]

So, on this topic--how do you make sure that the chickens (especially babies) are well cared for when you're gone? We're planning to go away for about 10 days, too (I was also worried about them not remembering me). We are going to ask some of the neighborhood teens (and pay them, but I'm not sure how much). What are you all doing?

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

chickenpearl, my two college-age sons are going to be in charge while I'm gone. I'm a little apprehensive about it, not because I don't trust them to do a good job, but because we're all so new to having chickens - wish I didn't have to leave them quite so soon.

We have a dog-walker who will be stopping by each weekday we're gone, and I'm asking her to check in on the girls, as well. Definitely nervous about leaving them...

 

[Chicken Ninja]

They'll definately remember you. Mine did.

I thought the same thing, or that when I got back they wouldn't care. However, they were just as excited as my dog to see me.