How To Look After Your Chickens When On Holiday

How to Look After Chickens When on Holiday

Planning a holiday when you keep chickens takes a little more thought than packing your suitcase. While cats and dogs can head off to the kennels, hens need specific, daily care to stay safe and healthy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to look after your chickens when on holiday, with practical advice whether you’re going away for a weekend or a few weeks.

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What chickens need in your absence

While you’re away, your chickens will still require:

• Daily feeding and fresh water
• Morning let-out and evening lock-up
• Regular egg collection
• Health checks
• Coop cleaning (especially for longer trips)

Consistency is key — even when you’re sunning yourself abroad, their routine should remain the same.

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Choose the right person to care for them

Ideally, ask someone who already keeps chickens. They’ll be confident around birds, know what signs of illness to look out for, and understand what proper care involves.

If you don’t know another chicken keeper, find someone dependable and calm with animals. Offer clear instructions, and as a thank you, let them keep the eggs while you’re away.

You can also look for a professional pet sitter who specialises in poultry — your vet may be able to recommend one.

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Train your chicken sitter

If your helper is new to hens, give them a quick training session before you leave. Walk them through:

• Feeding and watering routines
• Opening and securing the coop and run
• Identifying signs of illness or distress
• How to clean the coop (if needed)
• Where to find supplies
• What to do in an emergency

Leave your vet’s contact details, and if possible, a backup contact too.

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Prepare before your trip

A smooth handover starts with good preparation. Before you leave:

• Deep-clean the coop
• Check all chickens are healthy
• Stock up on feed, bedding and cleaning products
• Repair any damage to housing or fencing
• Print out simple care instructions
• Highlight any quirks (a timid hen, a tricky latch, etc.)

If you use automatic doors or feeders, make sure your sitter knows how to reset or troubleshoot them.

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Consider chicken boarding

If you can’t find someone to come to your home, chicken boarding may be an option. It’s a growing service in the UK, offering short-term care at poultry-friendly facilities.

When choosing a boarder, look for:

• Separate, sanitised coops for each flock
• Secure fencing or electric netting
• A low-stress environment (not near barking dogs or noisy roads)
• Staff who understand poultry health and behaviour
• The option to bring your own feed

If possible, visit before booking so you can see the setup for yourself.

Check out our Chicken Boarding and Hennel Directory to find one near you.

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Transporting chickens safely

If you are using chicken boarding or relocating your flock temporarily:

• Use ventilated carriers or crates
• Keep the vehicle cool and shaded
• Don’t leave birds unattended in the car
• Add apple cider vinegar to their water as a stress tonic
• Offer water before and after the journey

Transport can be unsettling, so minimise stress and settle them in calmly on arrival.

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Final checklist

Before you set off, double-check:

• Your carer has clear written instructions
• Your hens are healthy and their coop is secure
• There’s enough food and bedding to last your trip
• Emergency contacts are provided
• All gates, feeders, waterers and latches work properly

With the right preparation, you can jet off knowing your hens are well looked after.