Would it be ok to leave my chickens locked in the coop for 3 days?

[lovethechickens]

You just never know when that waterer gets knocked over, the weather changes and its too hot in the coop, or anything else like that. Its always best to hire a sitter.

 

[AllChookUp]

I've been thinking about this same thing. If I can add a related question here, I will be leaving on a 2-week vacation in mid-July. I have a nice coop (3 mature chickens) and brooder with ventilation, and a caring neighbor to check in frequently. Trouble is, my 11 new chicks will only be 4 weeks old when I leave. I know that's a lot to ask a neighbor, but they are caring and I will give them all the educational tools they need (plus my cell phone number).

Would anyone here never even consider what I am thinking of doing?

 

[MayberrySaint]

One poster mentioned eggs...I don't think there will be any with 11.5 weeks old pullets...

Animals are a committment but they do not have to make you afraid to leave them unsupervised. I regularly leave my flock from Friday night until Monday morning. I use hanging waterers and feeders that cannot be knocked over with enough volume to handle 4 days feed and water. I toss the eggs if it has been hot and I don't have anyone to collect them. It has been my experience that it is usually better to leave them alone then have an unexperienced "friend or family" member take care of them. It is amazing how humans can screw up a good plan...filling waterer and not putting the top on correctly...leaving a door open by accident, etc.

 

[Homegroanacres]

Me

But then again I am a crotchitee old fogey set in my ways

Looks to me like you have gone out of your way to make sure
they get taken care of..just understand that wether its your or
your sitter that some thing could happen to the chicks.

Have fun on your Vacation

John

 

[AllChookUp]

Thanks, John - This is a 2-week vacation to MT & WY that we have been planning for ages, and have put a lot of money down on various reservations. I decided to get chicks about one month ago when I found that though our mill, June 23 is the last order date for the year.

 

[domromer]

We've left our chickens in the coop for many long weekends. Just keep the food topped up and I usually put in a few waters in case they nock one over or foul it with bedding. We don't need to worry about the heat up here as todays high will be 65!

 

[Homegroanacres]

My commitment statement spoke to more than just chickens.

Farm chores are twice a day around here and noone I know could
get them done. Well done as I want them done.

To each there own.

John

 

[MayberrySaint]

Quote:
I understand completely John as I used to own a large pig farm...I would never leave for a vacation...:-(

However, a lot of members have just a few backyard chickens and with adequate precautions should be able to get away for a few days without stressing about their hens. Adequate feed, water and good ventilation is definitely necessat though.

 

[tricia]

I have left my chickens a number of times for just a few days. There was never a problem.

 

[silkiechicken]

Depends on your set up if they will be fine. What I like to do is "test" it. If I'll be away for some time. Set it up, and leave it as if you were gone, but check in to make sure things are ok. If they make it the set time during the "test" vacation. They should be just fine when you go on a real vacation. Of course, if you test it in the winter, and leave during 110F summers, might not be the same.