How to Care for Your Chickens When Going on Holiday

Keeping chickens brings great joy but also a significant responsibility, especially when you need to go on holiday. Ensuring your hens are happy, healthy, and safe while you're away requires careful planning and trustworthy help. This guide offers practical advice to prepare your flock for your absence, so you can enjoy your break with peace of mind.

1. Find a Reliable Chicken Sitter

A chicken sitter who is familiar with poultry care and can visit your hens daily, ideally twice a day, is often the best option, particularly if you have a larger flock. This person should be able to feed the chickens, provide fresh water, open and close the coop pop holes, collect eggs, and check for any health concerns or predators. Choosing someone dependable and experienced reduces stress on your birds.

2. Ask a Friendly Neighbour or Friend

If you have neighbours who enjoy chickens, asking them to care for your hens can be a great solution. To make this easier, provide clear instructions and essential supplies. It is helpful to have them visit several times before your holiday so your hens become familiar with the caretaker, reducing anxiety during your absence.

3. Set Up Automatic Feeders and Waterers

For short holidays or if a sitter is unavailable, automatic feeders and waterers placed inside a secure coop can provide your chickens with steady access to clean food and water. Ensure feeders dispense enough food to avoid competition between birds and place water containers where they cannot be easily tipped over by wildlife or the weather. Always secure the setup against predators.

4. Prepare the Coop Thoroughly

Before you leave, clean your chickens' coop thoroughly. Remove old bedding and disinfect the area to reduce parasites like red mites. Then replenish with fresh, dry bedding in generous amounts to absorb moisture and manure while you are away. This ensures a hygienic environment reducing disease risk and keeping your flock comfortable.

5. Consider Boarding Your Chickens

Chicken boarding facilities, sometimes called "chicken hotels," offer a safe, supervised environment for your flock while you’re on holiday. Research providers carefully, visit the site to check hygiene and security, and ensure their practices align with your expectations for animal welfare. This can be a great option for longer trips or if you are uncomfortable leaving your property unattended.

6. Transporting Chickens Safely

If you plan to take your chickens to a friend’s home or a boarding facility, transport them with care. Use a well-ventilated chicken crate or pet carrier and avoid overcrowding to prevent overheating and stress. Transport them in the back seat of a car for good air circulation and never leave them unattended in a parked vehicle, particularly in warm weather. Adding apple cider vinegar to their water can help reduce travel stress.

7. Leave Clear Written Instructions

Whether you have a sitter, friend, or boarding facility caring for your chickens, clear written instructions are essential. Include feeding schedules, quantities, water care, egg collection, coop security tips, potential health warning signs, and the contact details for your vet. Clear instructions ensure consistent care and help prevent accidental oversights.

8. Secure Your Property and Protect Your Hens

Predator-proof your coop and run before your holiday. Ensure locks and fencing are secure to keep out foxes, rats, and other threats common in the UK countryside. Make sure your chickens have shelter from extreme weather. Inform your carer of any local wildlife risks so they can monitor for signs of predators or damage to fencing.

Tips for Holiday Chicken Care

• Chickens dislike change and travelling, so limiting moves is ideal.
• Move chickens at night for less stress and cooler conditions.
• Use well-ventilated carriers, avoid cardboard boxes in warm weather.
• Never overcrowd carriers to avoid overheating and distress.
• Make sure carriers have clean bedding, and enough food and water supplies.
• Keep chickens off the car boot during transport; use the back seat instead.
• Always provide your vet’s contact info to carers for emergencies.

By planning ahead and choosing the best care option for your chickens, you help ensure they remain safe, healthy, and stress-free while you enjoy your holiday. Whether with a trusted sitter, neighbour, or boarding service, your hens will be grateful for the thoughtful preparation.

For more poultry and birds for sale and care advice, visit poultry for sale.