How do you go on vacation with chickens?

[SkyAJK]

There is a pet hotel here that charges $5 per chicken on normal day, when it is school holiday or like Christmas, it is $10 per day per chicken. Food provided by the chicken parents. They just house and put out feed and water.
Say 10 chickens x $5 per day=$50 a day for 10 feather kids.
Vacation for 5 days x $50=$250
I have not use this service as it feels rather arm length kind of service. Chickens are too tender and fragile for this distance.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

First year I only had 8 juveniles so I filled feeders and waterers for the 5 day trip.
Second year I hired the neighbor and paid well for every other day checking. Gave her all of the (fertile) eggs and she hatched out a new flock of Bielefelders for herself.
This year my son is pet sitting dogs and chickens for 2 weeks in January. One pup has arthritis so bad he needs to be assisted with stairs and I don’t trust a kennel with him like that. I’ll pay him, buy food and drinks. I’m just so appreciative of the help.

 

[paintedChix]

Oi. I'm a bit confused.

Do you purchase all your chicken feed, toys, bedding, feeders & waterers only on line? If from a feed store, is it more than an hour away like the farms are?

I'm just a lot surprised that no one has mentioned your feed store or even pet stores. Even if all employees know nothing about chickens, they should be able to follow instructions. Some would, I would think, and you can ask next time you pick up feed & bedding. Most receive only minimal/minimum wages & even if they don't know much (anything?) about chickens, armed w/ your instructions, the link to BYC & your phone #s, they should do great at your "job" requirements. Who knows? You may create a new chicken afficiando!!

Besides 4H, there is also both the Ag & Livestock sides of FFA (Future Farmers of America). You can check with the instructors, for reliable youth. They pay their own way to different functions, so cash or donations go A LONG WAY. Even JROTC youth may be interested. Most are VERY reliable - if not at high school level, then college level.

Check with NJSU or other AG based institutions - they should have contacts.

Even if only small animals vets around you - they will also have contacts for livestock vets or people who would be willing & able to fulfill your specialized instructions.

Sounds like you have enough time to make your lists, contact & interview folks & be set for your vacation. If you truly don't find anyone who meets your standards, you have time to restructure vacation plans (even w/ kids).

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

That is such an excellent idea!!! I've been reading this thread because I have to go to my grandson's wedding next year. I do have neighbors, but I'm so picky about my chickens. I will definitely look into 4 H.

Picky about the chickens is my middle name

 

[Squawkers]

Picky about the chickens is my middle name

Me too!