Caring For Chickens While Away: A Week-Long Guide

Going on vacation is stressful for any pet owner, but with the right preparation, your chickens will be safe and healthy while you're away. If you're only going to be gone for a few days, your chickens will be fine as long as they have a clean coop, plenty of food and water, and protection from predators. For longer trips, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a chicken sitter, whether that's a friend, family member, or neighbour. Make sure they know what they're doing and are prepared for any eventuality. With the right knowledge, supplies, and preparation, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about your feathered friends.

Ensure a continuous supply of food and water

Chickens should only be left alone for a maximum of three to four days. If you are intending to leave your chickens for any longer than this, you should enlist the help of a chicken sitter.

If you are going away for less than three to four days, you will need to ensure your chickens have enough food and water to last the duration of your trip. Plan to leave about 4-6 ounces of feed for each bird for each day that you are gone. If you are leaving for longer than three days, you may need to find someone who can replenish your flock's food and water sources while you are away.

You should plan to have enough feeders in the coop to hold the amount of food your flock will consume while you are away. Use large feeders or set up multiple feeders to ensure your flock will always have access to food.

You should also ensure that your chickens have continuous access to fresh water. One way to do this is to set up an automatic water dispenser. Alternatively, you could ask a neighbour to check in on your chickens and refill their water for them.

Protect from predators

Chickens are most vulnerable when they are asleep, so it's important to ensure they are safe from predators at night. The inside of a locked coop is the safest place for them. Teach your chickens to return to the coop at night from the time they first take up residence, but they can also be trained later if necessary.

Chicken wire is meant to contain chickens, not to exclude predators. Raccoons, foxes, weasels, and even dogs can easily break through chicken wire. Electric fencing is a good option for keeping out dogs, but it won't stop aerial predators like hawks and eagles. To protect against these, cover the run with a roof or hardware cloth. Netting can also deter hawks, but it won't stop climbing predators.

To deter digging predators, dig a 12" trench around the perimeter of the coop, burying hardware cloth. An alternative is to extend a 12" hardware cloth apron from the perimeter of the run, although this is less effective than a trench.

If you want to keep bears away, electric fencing must be baited with something tasty like bacon. A secure barn, shed, or garage is also a good way to keep feed away from bears.

Clean the coop

If you are leaving your chickens unattended for a week, you must ensure that their coop is clean and comfortable before you leave. Here are some detailed steps to follow:

Firstly, ensure that the coop is well-ventilated and spacious enough for your flock to move around freely. Check that the outdoor temperature is suitable for your chickens; they can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit if they are 6 weeks old or above. If the weather is cooler, provide extra bedding or insulation to keep them warm.

Next, remove any waste, such as manure, wet litter, and old feed, from the coop. Disinfect the feeders and waterers, and scrub them clean with warm water and an appropriate cleanser. Ensure that the coop is free of any parasites or pests that could harm your chickens. Check for signs of mites, lice, or other infestations, and treat the coop accordingly. Sanitation and biosecurity are crucial to maintaining the health of your flock.

Additionally, clean and sanitize the perches and nesting boxes within the coop. These areas can become soiled with droppings and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and parasites to thrive. Use a safe disinfectant, and ensure that all surfaces are dry before allowing your chickens back into the coop.

Finally, ensure that the coop is secure and predator-proof. Check that the fencing is intact, with no gaps or holes that could provide entry for predators. Reinforce any weak spots, and consider adding extra protection, such as automation or a chicken sitter, to deter potential threats. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your chickens have a clean and safe environment while you are away.

Get a chicken sitter

If you're going away for a week, it's best to enlist the help of a chicken sitter. While chickens can be left alone for three to four days, any longer and you'll need someone to check on them.

The ideal chicken sitter is someone who knows poultry well. Ask around your local chicken-keeping club for recommendations, or check with local veterinarians for suggestions. You could also consider hiring a local pet service.

Don't be afraid to interview sitters and see how they are around your birds. You want to find someone reliable and experienced, or at least comfortable with chickens, who you can trust to follow your directions and ensure the safety of your flock.

Make sure you share detailed instructions with your chicken sitter, so they know what to expect. Here are some things you should ask them to do:

• Check the feed and water daily.
• Collect the eggs at least once a day.
• Review chicken behaviour to prepare for any eventuality, such as a broody hen.
• Practise good biosecurity by washing their hands with soap and water, followed by disinfectant, before and after working with your birds.
• Dedicate a particular pair of shoes to wear when visiting the coop, or clean their shoes with disinfectant before and after.
• Implement an emergency plan in case a chicken gets injured.

Manage droppings

Managing chicken droppings is an important aspect of raising healthy and happy chickens. Here are some tips to manage chicken droppings, especially when you plan to be away for a week:

Prepare in Advance

Before you leave, ensure the chicken coop is clean and free of any built-up droppings. Remove manure, wet litter, and old feed waste. Disinfect feeders and waterers, and clean the coop with warm water and an appropriate cleanser. This will provide a clean and hygienic space for your chickens while you are away.

Use Absorbent Bedding

Utilize absorbent bedding materials such as pine shavings or hemp bedding. These materials can help absorb droppings and keep the coop drier, reducing ammonia production and minimizing respiratory irritation for your chickens. Turn or mix the bedding occasionally to prevent smells and allow the droppings to dry out.

Use Dropping Trays

Place dropping trays under the roosts for simple cleanup. These trays can be easily removed and cleaned, making it more convenient to manage droppings, especially when you return from your trip.

Composting Options

If you have a compost pile, you can add chicken droppings to it. Chicken manure is rich in nutrients and can be composted to create fertilizer for your garden. However, avoid using fresh manure directly on vegetables or live plants, as it may contain harmful bacteria. Instead, compost it with other materials to create a safe fertilizer.

Engage a Chicken Sitter

If you are going away for more than three to four days, consider arranging for a friend or neighbor to check on your chickens and manage the droppings during your absence. They can ensure the coop remains clean and hygienic, and your chickens' health can be monitored through observing their droppings.

Frequently asked questions