Chook Me!

what to do with chickens?

well me my dad and bros are going to manchester tomorrow till Sunday to stay with my auntie. Problem is we have our hen and cockerel in the garden. We lock them in our hen house at night as we have already had chickens killed at night so its a must do thing lol. But there is no light , food or water in the hen house. we normally let them roam the garden in the daytime but obv cant as they will be out all night and most likely be eaten. This is the coop. http://s460.photobucket.com/albums/qq322/livvyz123/chickens/? action=view&current=coop.jpg As you can see the hens are sitting in the coop (which we also shut) and the house is the bit at the end. there is a latch so you can lock them in that certain bit which is safe. (we changed the locks ,the one in the picture was the one tht the fox was able to open) but there is a drop down latch on the hen house so you can shut them in (this is safest for ours due to the fox who can open the old latch, we have a new stiffer one but we still worry) but we could leave it open. however our coop is a bit smaller but it has their food and water in. im just worried about their safety. Would they be alright in just the hen house from 11am Saturday mornin till around 12;30pm Sunday afternoon. They have nice soft bedding and a perch in the house , we could put food and water in but they would knock it over in the dark and not be able to find it. Any help PLEASE.. im worried as i (L) my chickens OH BTW; we have no neighbours or near friends to help and the cockerel is wild and agressive to others and if someone else interfears he goes mad and flys ove the fence or just ignores you. LOL helpful i know! does this link work? http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq322/livvyz123/chickens/coop.jpg

Public Comments

1. I would leave them locked up with food and water.
2. well i can't look at your picture without a password, but i would think that they would be alright locked up. just try to put several water bowls in there with them so they don't run out. if you use long flat trays like cake pans (heavy glass ones would be good) they would be less likely to turn them over. i'm sure that there will be enough light in there during the daytime hours that they can see where the food and water are. i have birds and i've noticed that they don't really eat and drink that much at night anyway. i think they are kind of like people and sleep at night. that is why they roost. you're only talking about a little over 24 hours, so i'm sure they will be fine. good luck.
3. Keep them locked up with some extra bowls of food and water & they should be fine.
4. This is something new you are attempting so you are naturally concerned how things will go, the period you are in charge sounds like a day & half ,which isn't too much any way.Analyze & see what are the major problems you expect & work out how you will deal with each one,should the need arise. I suggest the birds stay locked in & safe for the period you are caring for them,place food & water containers within easy reach of the door,move away the food tray at night & replace early next morning,they don't need it through the night anyway.If you think a light in the enclosure will help i am sure one can be easily installed before the family moves.Check locks before turning in,you can have a good restful night when you know your poultry is safe.When the family returns i am sure they will be well pleased with your effort.
5. well I agree lock them inside and put lots of water and food in there. make sure there are no mouse holes though- our coop has a mouse hole at the side so they can come in and take food. As for light.... maybe you can cut a window and put wire mesh in it.