I don’t have ducks so I can’t advise for them... but for chickens, as others have stated, neighbors are great! I try to do any big chores before I leave, so that my neighbors just check in the morning and at night. Usually the offer to “keep any eggs you collect!” Is incentive enough! Also, if there are any kids or young teenagers in your neighborhood, talk to the parents and see if they’d be willing to send the kids over or come over with them... you could pay them $5 a day or something and the parents would probably be excited to give their kid a job and some new responsibility!
Anyone who I have watch the chickens, I have them come over at least once first, so I can show them where everything is and walk them through their duties. I also leave a check list of some form, and try and keep their job as simple as possible! Fill all your waterers and feeders, scoop poop boards or clean the coop, put treats out in an easy to find place. When I go out of town, all my neighbors need to do is bring them some water in the morning to top off waterers, toss out a treat, and then make sure they’re all inside at night after collecting eggs. Super simple!
I also return the favor when they are out of town and care for their cats
Anyone who I have watch the chickens, I have them come over at least once first, so I can show them where everything is and walk them through their duties. I also leave a check list of some form, and try and keep their job as simple as possible! Fill all your waterers and feeders, scoop poop boards or clean the coop, put treats out in an easy to find place. When I go out of town, all my neighbors need to do is bring them some water in the morning to top off waterers, toss out a treat, and then make sure they’re all inside at night after collecting eggs. Super simple!
I also return the favor when they are out of town and care for their cats