Ensuring Chicken Safety While on Vacation Advice Needed!

[RusticFowlman]

I'd go with keeping them in the covered space. You never know when a predator might take advantage of your absence. Better safe than sorry!

[GerryGrit]

Hi everyone,

We have a small flock of four hens, and Im looking for advice on keeping them safe while we go away for a week in April. Normally, they have plenty of space to roam, including a secure coop, a covered dust-bathing area, and a large fenced yard where they spend most of their time. Occasionally, they hop the fence and explore beyond, but when we leave for a short weekend trip, we usually just leave their gate open so they can access the entire yard freely.

That worked fine until November, when we were gone for just one night and lost a hen to a raccoon. I suspect that when were home, the frequent presence of our dogs keeps predators away. Otherwise, we havent had any issues.

Now, Im debating the best setup for our upcoming trip. Should I let them have access to the whole yard as usual, relying on their automatic coop door to lock them in safely at night? I can monitor the door remotely to ensure theyre all inside before it closes.

Or should I reinforce their smaller covered area with hardware cloth and keep them confined to that space along with their coop for the entire week? Theyd be safer, but I worry about them being unhappy with the sudden restriction.

Id love to hear from others who have left their chickens for an extended time. What setup has worked best for you? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I went on a 10-day trip and kept mine confined to a covered run. They were fine! A little grumpy when I got back, but safe and healthy.

[WattleScribe]

I'd make sure their automatic door closes a bit earlier than usual. That way, no stragglers get caught outside when the raccoons start coming out.

[BarnyardWanderer]

Have you considered asking a neighbor or friend to check on them daily? That way, you could keep their normal routine but still have an extra layer of safety.

[BarnyardBuddy]

Chickens are adaptable! They might not love the confinement, but they'll be safe. I'd go with securing the porch area,it's only for a week.