Omlet cube and run

[SallymaySteven]

Help - chickens home alone

 

I am totally new to chicken keeping and was wondering if I could ask some more advice again.

 

Hubby and I are going away for xmas, it was booked before we got our new babies. Now I have managed to get family members to come and look after them except for two days. What can I do? I've read you can leave the coop door open and they will go in themselves. As long as they've got food and water down. Is this right? Very worried about them.

[gavclojak]

You can leave them but I would be worried about the water freezing over! Maybe ask a local dog walker(by recommendation) if she would consider popping in and checking. My dog walker charged £5 for a dog let out in the garden so I would base it on that or look for a holiday home for them. There is a thread on the main page. If you post where you are some other omleteers might be able to help?

[Beantree]

I personally wouldn't move them to another premises Sally. That can cause all sorts of problems. Have you a heated garage or outbuilding they could be moved into for a few days?

[Olly]

I take it they are in an Omlet run or other secure run? In that case, it's fine to leave the door open and they can come and go - they won't be bothered by the cold. Generally all they need is enough food and water and I have left my hens from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Ideally however they should be checked on at least every 24 hours - is there a neighbour or friend you get to pop in just once during this period? Otherwise as suggested, a local cat-sitter might be able to do it?

 

I wouldn't move them into an outbuilding - they are much better off outdoors in their run, yes there is a risk that the water will freeze over but as long as there is some sun during the day it will thaw out again and although it looks frozen, they can usually peck through the surface ice. After all, it can refreeze during the day when you're out at work and they still seem to manage.

 

As Gavclojak mentions, there are some chicken-sitters listed, and quite a few forum members use these from time to time without any problems. The other solution might be to move the hens and their run temporarily to a family member or friend if they are willing? It's quite a lot of work for you but might give you peace of mind. My experience has been that people are only too happy to come and feed the hens as a bit of a novelty, especially if they are allowed to collect the eggs!

[mullethunter]

If frozen water is the only concern (and I agree with gavclojak it would be my only real concern) then perhaps you could get one of those heater things that stops it freezing? Obviously it would be better if someone could check on them but i'm sure they'd be fine. I barely see mine at the moment - I may as well not be here!

[jesschicken24]

I barely see mine at the moment - I may as well not be here!

 

Same here, by the time I get home from work it's already dark . Luckily the other half is there to keep an eye on them during the day but I do miss spending time with them. Only 8 more working days 'till I'm off for Christmas though