How to Care for Your Chickens While Traveling for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, many chicken keepers face a common challenge: how to ensure their flock is well cared for while they’re away. Chickens, like any other pets, require daily attention, and leaving them unsupervised for days can be stressful for both the chickens and their owners. Fortunately, with the right preparation and a bit of planning, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your chickens are safe and well taken care of. Here’s a guide on how to care for your chickens while traveling for the holidays.

1. Find a Reliable Chicken-Sitter

One of the best ways to ensure your chickens are well taken care of while you're away is to find a reliable chicken-sitter. Just like finding a pet sitter for your dog or cat, it's important to choose someone who is responsible and has some experience with chickens. Here are some tips for finding a good chicken-sitter:

• Ask for help from neighbors or friends: If you have a trusted neighbor or friend who lives nearby, ask if they would be willing to check on your chickens while you're gone. Be sure to give them clear instructions about feeding, water, and checking the coop.
• Hire a professional: If no one in your circle is available, look into professional pet sitters who specialize in farm animals or chickens. Many areas have services where sitters can visit your home daily to feed, water, and check on your flock.
• Offer compensation: Whether it's a neighbor, friend, or professional, offering compensation, such as a small fee, a holiday gift, or farm-fresh eggs, can be a nice gesture of appreciation for their help.

2. Prepare the Coop for Minimal Supervision

Even with a chicken-sitter, preparing your coop for minimal supervision can make things easier and prevent any mishaps while you're away. Here are some key steps to take before you leave:

• Ensure water availability: Chickens need constant access to fresh water. Invest in a large, gravity-fed waterer or a heated waterer if you live in a cold climate. Make sure the waterer is clean and functioning well to reduce the chance of spills or freezing.
• Set up an automatic feeder: Automatic feeders can hold enough food for several days, ensuring your chickens don't run out of feed while you're away. Choose a feeder that is weatherproof and resistant to pests, like squirrels or wild birds.
• Secure the coop: Check that your coop is fully secure from predators like raccoons, foxes, and rats. Reinforce any weak spots and ensure the locks are functioning properly. Also, make sure the coop is well-ventilated and has dry bedding to keep your chickens comfortable.
• Install an automatic coop door: An automatic coop door can help ensure your chickens are safely inside at night and let out in the morning, even if no one is there to do it manually. Most automatic doors are battery-operated or solar-powered and are set to open and close based on daylight.

3. Keep Your Flock Safe from Extreme Weather

If you're traveling during the colder months, it's crucial to prepare your flock and their coop for winter weather. Chickens are generally hardy animals, but extreme cold can be dangerous, especially if they're left unsupervised for several days. Here’s how to protect your chickens from winter weather:

• Provide extra bedding: Add extra straw or pine shavings to the coop floor to help insulate it and keep your chickens warm.
• Ensure proper ventilation: While it's important to keep your chickens warm, good ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to respiratory problems.
• Check for drafts: Seal any gaps in the coop that could allow cold drafts to enter, but make sure there is enough airflow to prevent humidity from building up.
• Use a heated waterer: In freezing conditions, use a heated waterer to prevent the water from freezing and ensure your chickens stay hydrated.

4. Set a Schedule and Stick to It

Before you leave, make sure your chickens are accustomed to their feeding and care routine. This will make it easier for your chicken-sitter to manage while you're gone. Feed your chickens at the same time each day, and ensure they are familiar with any automatic systems you've installed, like the automatic feeder or coop door.

5. Communicate and Check-In

If possible, check in with your chicken-sitter during your trip to ensure everything is going smoothly. A quick text or call can give you peace of mind and allow your sitter to ask any questions that might come up.

Conclusion

Caring for your chickens while traveling for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing your coop, finding a reliable sitter, and taking precautions for weather, you can relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing your flock is in good hands. With a bit of planning, you’ll return home to happy, healthy chickens ready to greet you after your break.