How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[Lapinou]

We're going away for a week on the 19th and a friend is going to come in and get eggs (if there are any by then!), and top up food and water. I'm reluctant to ask her to do any minging stuff...what's the worst that would happen if we did a thorough clean immediately before we went away and expected to have to do another major one the minute we get back?

 

Also, as ours free-range most days for most of the day, I'm expecting them to get rather bored in the run. They were left for a full day the other day and were fine - the woodchip seems to amuse them as it's something fun to scratch in! However, I'm thinking maybe it might be a good idea to leave my friend a selection of toys so she can chuck one in the run each day. Good idea? Pointless idea? If the former...any suggestions?

 

Thanks

[Cinnamon]

Hi,

 

We are away for a week soon too, & my hensitter (who is also my vet & neighbour) is doing the same as yours - topping up & collecting eggs.

I had 2 more hens this time last year,& it was fine.

 

If you are worried about boredom,think about getting a pecka block for them.

To be honest,they adapt very quickly & I am sure they will be fine.

Try not to think about them too much while you are away & have a lovely time (where are you going?)

[Lapinou]

Thanks, Sarah. We're going to Wales with my parents - they play with the children all day and I get to sit on the beach nursing my very pregnant tummy!

 

Good idea about the peckablock. Is the emptying the poo tray every 2-4 days about the smell, rather than about any serious issues with the chickens then?

[alexgirl73]

I'm going on hols in 2 weeks and I am desperately trying to find someone willing to come in and feed my girls etc. Most of my friends don't live in my area so finding it difficult It has to be someone I trust as they will be feeding my cats and rabbit too. Usually my neighbours grandson does it, but he may be off on hols himself those 2 weeks, I'm really hoping he's not!!

[jomaxsmith]

Most of my friends don't live in my area so finding it difficult Confused It has to be someone I trust as they will be feeding my cats and rabbit too

 

 

Where do you live alexgirl73 - there may be someone on here local to you

 

Jo

[Olly]

I reckon a week is fine - they won't come to any harm if the poo tray isn't emptied. Some of us are actually not on holiday and don't do it any more often than that - at this time of year they seem to be doing most of it in the run as they're not in bed for long, so as long as you've got some aubiose or similar in there they'll be ok.

 

Alexgirl, last year when my usual reliable cat-and-chook sitting friend was away (well actually, we were both on holiday together - a mistake from the cat-care point of view!) I asked at my vets and found someone who'd come in and feed the cat for me during the day. It cost about £7 a day, but it's cheaper than a cattery. Then I mentioned chickens ... she was absolutely fine about it, and thrilled when I said she could keep the eggs. Ask at your vet, they probably have a list of people who do pet-sitting. And they'll water the garden and keep an eye on the house, too.

[Helen&Lee]

How about buying some cabbages / lettuce for your friend to put in the run?

 

I put whole little cabbages in the run and they are gone within a day or so.

 

Or ask her to sprinkle a little corn in the run for them to forage for.

 

Helen

[alexgirl73]

Thanks for that Olly I'll give them a call.

 

I'm in Telford, Shropshire Jomax

[jomaxsmith]

I'm in Telford, Shropshire Jomax

 

Oppostie end of the country to me - my brother's in Sheriffhales but don't think he'd help out with chooks!

 

There's a chicken sitter section on this forum - have a look to see on there if anyone can help out, or if you have a local poultry centre they might know someone

 

A friend of a friend of mine has a flock of hens and rents out small coops and runs as holiday accommodation, mine have been there twice and had a lovely time!

 

Jo