MrandMrsG Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Hi Folks, I need some advice from the forum eggspurts We're off on our hols next Saterday for a week - I've asked a friend to let them out in the mornings, to check their water and food and to close them in their eglu at night, which is great. However the bit I'm worried about is that I normally let them out to roam around the garden in the afternoons and then entice them back into their eglu run about an hour before their bed time with their treats which they love. Sadly this won't be part of their routine while I'm away - do you think the girls will go stir crazy and never forgive me or do you think they'll be ok? Forgive me for asking such a daft question, I'm such a novice with all this chicken malarkie! I shall look forward to reading your replies. Many thanks, Mrs G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Licken Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 They will be fine - just super pleased to see you when you get back. You never know your friend may take pity on them and let them potter for a few minutes each day (especially if the sun is shining!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Yes they'll be fine, MrsG. You could leave your friend some time consuming treats to give them, like a peckablock, an apple, a chunk of cauliflower: keep them busy! And they certainly won't hold it against you on your return: they'll be overjoyed to see you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash City Rocker Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 My neighbour looked after my 3 chickens while I was away over Christmas, she had no experience of keeping chickens, by the 2nd day she had them all out, by the end of the first week she was carrying them round the garden. I wouldn't worry about them, they'll be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Im sure they will be perfectly fine. You could always add a few extra bits and bob to keep them occupied and distracted while you are away. Hang CDs up for them to peck at. Pop some branches in for them to roost on. Leave some corn on the cob for your neighbour to hang up for them to peck at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 We get a friend of ED to look after ours and they have to stay in the run, They are fine and are very excited to be let out when we get home making those chicken happy squeaks whrn they get on the grass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrandMrsG Posted February 2, 2008 Author Share Posted February 2, 2008 Thanks so much for your replies, I'm really grateful that you've been so kind of put my mind at ease - I will give my friend some long lasting treats to give to the girls and I'll try not to too worry to much. I've had the little naughties since Jan 4th. they haven't layed yet, but they've just started to crouch (I'm told that this is a good sign for imminent laying), However it will be sods law that the 1st egg arrives when we're away - I'll be gutted Thanks, Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Just to confirm what others have said - we left ours for 8 days last half term. They were in the run for the whole time with no obvious adverse effects . I would leave them goodies and playthings - more for your peace of mind than theirs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 we found some seed bells at the pet shop and bought some pecka blocks, hanging these up and also hanging up broccoli/greens will keep them occupied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 You could always ask them to keep the very first egg for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmat Posted February 5, 2008 Share Posted February 5, 2008 I put little balls in my run - a couple of small footballs. they like to look at and peck the shiny surface and move them about. I've never hung veg from the run but I'll be trying it tomorrow!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...