[linzechris]

Got my chickens last August and have never left them before but my husband wants us to go away for a week. I have someone reliable who is willing to let them out at 8 am and make sure their hoppers are full of food and water and will put them away in the evening. The trouble is that I ALWAYS let my chickens out at 7 unless it's still dark and I give them treats at around 9.30 and 4. Just some greens and sometimes a bit of pasta, rice or leftovers. My girls have got to know when this is coming and stand eagerly by the gate waiting at those times. I am tempted not to go away as I feel guilty that they wont get their treats and it might upset them. What should I do?

[Foxy]

As long as they are safe, access to fresh food and water I am sure they will be fine for a week! Giving treats makes us feel good and not necessarily the birds...

Saying that 2 visits would be better,just to check on things. If you fit an auto door opener for 7am in the morning that it wont be such a rush to get them out. 

[poultrygeist]

Ooooo. Guilt trip 

I think your hens won't come to any harm by having a lie-in but the greens would be a good idea to continue. Could she hang up a cabbage so they have a constant source ?

It would take their minds off the change in routine too. As to whether you'd be able to enjoy the holiday without worry is up to you 

(we never go away so not a problem for us)

Rob

[pushrod]

. What should I do?

what is more important your husband and marriage or your chickens 

[GrannieAnnie]

. What should I do?

what is more important your husband and marriage or your chickens 

CHICKENS!!!!!!!!   

We never go away either.  or on my once a year visit to my daughter in Kent, I leave Brian behind to cope!!!!

[too many girls]

what is more important your husband and marriage or your chickens  

err, chickens!

[poultrygeist]

That's a no-brainer !! 

People get divorced all the time 

But chickens are for life !! 

[too many girls]

that's probably why i'm getting divorced, he always said "you think more of those god damn animals than you do of me" nough said..................

[pushrod]

. What should I do?

what is more important your husband and marriage or your chickens 

Suppose i should have known better than to ask a question like that on here 

[Paddywack]

. What should I do?

what is more important your husband and marriage or your chickens 

Silly question!

Chickens all the way

[linzechris]

Well... didn't really get much help on a decision either way but you did make me laugh!!!

[poultrygeist]

Go on holiday but stick wheels on the coop so you can tow it behind. Any hotel of merit would allow chickens in the room surely ? 

Hope you can find a solution.

Rob

[Blarney]

Goodness me.  GO ON HOLIDAY!!  Life goes on.  No one thinks badly of people who put their cats in a cattery and they always survive.  Your hens will be fine.  You've arranged for someone to come in twice a day and they will get everything they need.

My husband and I work so hard and we love our hens to bits.  We go away on holiday, the neighbour loves the hens and is always excited about looking after them and the cats go off to the cattery.  It doesn't make us bad people, we are normal. 

Have a lovely trip. xxxxx

[andreadon]

I'm sure the hens will be fine in the care of your friend - i agree with the automatic opener (not closer, though, just in case....) and hangingthe cabbage up!

ours run to the wire and stand there crying whenever they hear the gravel in the driveway (they even do it if you're in the run with them!), so don't feel guilty about that!

(you could always take them with you, we did at Christmas...)
 

[shiatsusu]

Definately go on holiday! The girls will be fine. I'm already feeling anxious about leaving ours for a week twice in the summer but you can't be a slave to your chooks ALL the time (only 99.9%  )