A Chicken Owners Guide To Taking A Vacation

It is summer and the time when many of us make vacation plans! Heading to the beach, the mountains, the big city, a day trip for a “stay-cation” or even overseas can make for some great memories and adventures. But when you have animals, some extra planning has to be done for their care. Here are some ideas for how to line up some help for your flock while you are away!  

• Neighbors/friends: Good fences make good neighbors goes the old saying, but sharing good eggs will also work! If you are on neighborly terms with those living within close proximity, offering some eggs in exchange for their care for your flock can be a great way to give you peace of mind while away. Clear, written instructions on what needs to be done for chicken care will help with expectations and communication, especially if you will be on vacation out of cell phone range.
• 4-H kids: By contacting your local university extension office, you can find local 4-H clubs which might have members who would be willing and able to care for your animals in your absence. This gives a local 4-H member some hands-on experience and the chance to earn some extra money.

• Automatic: Depending on the size and set-up of your flock, automatic feeders and waterers can be perfect for their care while you are out of town. If your flock has the space to stay in their coop and run all day, then your vacation answers may be found with higher capacity, automatic feeders and high-capacity waterers. There are also automatic doors that can be added to a coop, such as the Chicken Guard Extreme Door Opener. This door opener will help give you peace of mind and help protect your flock from predators by opening and closing the coop door at the designated times you set. If you choose to go this route, it still would be a good idea to have a friend or family member do a “check-in” for your flock, even if just to deliver a few treats!
• How have you arranged care for your flock while away on vacation? Please share your ideas in the comments! All of us at Meyer Hatchery hope you have a wonderful rest of your summer!