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One of the just things about owning chickens is that they are comparatively self-governing . They very rarely ask for much – as long as they have approach to food , water , and tax shelter , hens pretty much keep themselves occupied !
That said , how independent are they , really ? More to the full point , how long can backyard chickens be left alone for ?
Chickens can in general be go forth alone for around three to four Day . However , they can not be leave alone without heedful preparedness beforehand . As a chicken proprietor , you must ascertain that your birds have access to weewee , clean bedding , feed , and more while you are aside .
Let ’s face closer at how you may ready your wimp for your metre away from them with that in mind .
How to prepare your chickens for time away
Everyone is entitled to a interruption , and there is no intellect why you should n’t be able to drop some clock time away without having to worry about your chickens . Unlike dog , cats , fish , and other dearie , your chickens will not necessarily need constant wakefulness , and you will not of necessity have to have a babysitter lined up to take care of them .
You will require to assure that your chicken are safe and happy while you are off . That means see to it they are fed , water , and keep impregnable from any potential predators .
bring up backyard chickensis a lot of playfulness – but , understandably , you may not be able to declare the fort 24 hours a mean solar day . Here are a few simple step to organize your wimp for any absence seizure .
Prepare food and water
The main matter that you will need to consider is that your chickens have enough food and water system while you are away . Generally speaking , a chicken should be eat about one - half cup of nutrient every daytime and around 500ml of water . Make certain you knowwhat to feed your chickensfor the skilful while you ’re get , too .
Therefore , you will necessitate to calculate how much food you should leave alone for your chickens , found on the number in your cage – and the length of clip you plan on being away . It might be prudent to leave an robotlike Bronx cheer feeder set up , especially if you are disquieted about your feathery friends blend through their metric grain too quickly ! ( Did you know that you may evenmake your own machinelike chicken affluent ? )
If you ’re buying a eater in a flash , you will naturally need to ensure that it is a character product , and it would be fresh to test it before departing . go away some healthy , poulet - friendly treatsthat can help them take their mind off your absence seizure , too .
Secure the chicken coop
Although it ’s unlikely that yourchickens will fly away , predators are likely to sense if you are absent and may strain to get into your coop . You will need to secure it ’s fully secure before you leave alone – that much is obvious ! However , it will also be wise to come in a meshing level on the story of the chicken coop to ensure that animate being that will tunnel underneath will still not be able to enter the chicken .
If you are really worried about predators , make certain to have someone on understudy to chequer over the coop once or twice a day . provide your border is unassailable and there are a handful ofpredator deterrentsin situation , you should n’t have major concerns when it comes tokeeping your chicken safely in their yard .
Ensure that there is enough space in the coop
Chances are , you only ever lock away your wimp at night when they are benumbed . However , if you are plan on leaving them for days , you will involve to ensure that there is enough room in the coop for them to move around in and be comfortably and safely within .
Of naturally , unless you have someone number to check on your chickens while you ’re away , you wo n’t be able to alter their bedding until you ’re back . So , ensure to create fresh bedding for them on the twenty-four hours of you exit .
Arrange a chicken-sitter
If you design to be away , it would be wise to call for a friend or a neighbor to stop by just to keep an oculus on your chickens . As long as someone comes , even once , to check that the chickens are safe and still have access to food for thought and water , then you ’ll have added peace of mind .
If you ’re away for three or four day ( the upper limit recommended ) , then it ’s belike a good mind to necessitate someone to ensure the perimeter is still secured against predators and that ballock - egg laying is hold care of . Ask someone you trust to gather egg for you ( and maybe even predict them an omelet as payment ! ) .
Of course , if you have someone ‘ chicken - sitting ’ for you , then it make sensation to ask them to alter their bedding and freshen their body of water , too . This is the good option if you ’re concerned about what might materialise during your absence seizure . Be sure that your chicken - broody hen knowswhat not to feed your coopwhile you ’re work .
Can I leave my chickens alone for longer than four days?
No – it ’s not recommended that you bequeath any group of chickens alone for more than a weekend , ideally . That is unless you have a chicken - sitter who can take over your obligation for you for a while .
This is n’t just a case of ensuring your coop gets enough food and water . Chickens love routine , and conceive it or not , poulet often befriend their possessor . Therefore , if you only go away for a short time , it ’ll be peace of mind of idea for your birds , too !
Conclusion
Chickens can be easy enough to seem after and require small vigilance , provide you ’re close by . That said , your supporter in the coop will be glad when you return and will probably merit a nice treat for being so well - behaved while you were aside !
The main matter to commend is their rubber . Assure they are dependable and warm – then , you’re able to safely go away for a few days . Where in question , require a neighbor , family member , or friend you trust to watch over them while you ’re gone .
