Arrange for a trusted friend or neighbor to care for your chickens, or hire a professional pet sitter to ensure they are fed, watered, and safe while you’re away.
Going on vacation but worried about your chickens? With proper planning, you can ensure your flock stays healthy and safe while you’re away. This guide covers everything from short-term solutions to long-term care options.
How Long Can Chickens Be Left Alone?
Chickens are surprisingly self-sufficient when properly prepared:
- 1-3 days: No help needed with proper feeders/waterers
- 4-7 days: Requires automated systems or a quick check-in
- 7+ days: Needs regular chicken sitter visits
For longer absences, consider training your chickens to be more independent before your trip.
Essential Preparations Before Leaving
Food Solutions
Use these feeding options based on trip length:
| Trip Duration | Feeding Solution | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Standard feeder | 4-6 oz per chicken per day |
| 4-7 days | Grandpa’s Feeder or similar | 20 lbs (feeds 12 chickens for 10 days) |
| 7+ days | Automatic feeder with sitter refills | Varies |
Water Systems
Water is more critical than food. Consider these options:
- Short trips: Multiple large waterers (5 gallon minimum)
- Medium trips: Automatic waterer with float valve
- Long trips: Plumbed system with backup
According to Grubbly Farms, chickens can survive longer without food than water, making hydration systems crucial.
Predator Protection While Away
Without daily human presence, predators may become bolder:
Coop Security Checklist
- Reinforce all latches with carabiners
- Install 1/2″ hardware cloth (not chicken wire)
- Bury wire 12″ underground around perimeter
- Use automatic coop door if possible
- Remove nearby hiding spots for predators
For more security tips, see our guide on how chickens protect themselves from predators.
Finding and Preparing a Chicken Sitter
For trips longer than 3 days, a sitter is recommended. Here’s how to prepare them:
Sitter Information Packet
Include these essentials:
- Daily checklist of tasks
- Emergency contact numbers (vet, you, backup sitter)
- Location of supplies (feed, first aid, cleaning tools)
- Normal behavior vs warning signs
- Egg collection instructions
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Care
- Provide shade and ventilation
- Add electrolytes to water
- Freeze water bottles for cooling
Winter Care
- Use heated water bases
- Increase feed amounts
- Provide wind protection
According to Backyard Chickens, winter care requires special attention to prevent frozen water and cold stress.
Health Monitoring Solutions
Consider these options to monitor your flock remotely:
- WiFi cameras in coop and run
- Automatic door with timer/light sensor
- Motion-activated lights to deter predators
- Smart feeders with fill level alerts
Returning Home Checklist
When you return:
- Check feed and water levels
- Inspect for signs of predators
- Look for any sick or injured birds
- Clean coop if sitter didn’t
- Gradually return to normal routine
With proper preparation, you can enjoy your vacation knowing your chickens are well cared for. The key is planning ahead and setting up reliable systems before you leave.