nestboxes + holidays + pet sitters

[redriding]

going away for 2 wks and want to make things Easy for my sitter.

i had a bout of mites this fall and am paranoid about getting them back. i use hay in my boxes and change it out about every 3 days. i also sprinkle sulfur dust in the boxes and refresh every week or so.

thinking about buying nesting pads for her to use and change every 3 days.

what do you guys do when you go away ??

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

going away for 2 wks and want to make things Easy for my sitter.

i had a bout of mites this fall and am paranoid about getting them back. i use hay in my boxes and change it out about every 3 days. i also sprinkle sulfur dust in the boxes and refresh every week or so.

thinking about buying nesting pads for her to use and change every 3 days.

what do you guys do when you go away ??

The nesting pads should be fine. (If you're concerned about mites, don't use hay. That's how I got mites years ago.)

Personally, I use shavings in my nesting boxes, and have found sawdust works better because it's harder to kick out.

 

[SourRoses]

The nesting pads are easiest to use, so a good option for a pet sitter. Being quick to change raises the chance they will actually get changed. Lol

If I were going away my chief obsession would be making sure they have redundant water sources. Maybe backups for the backups.

 

[redriding]

The nesting pads are easiest to use, so a good option for a pet sitter. Being quick to change raises the chance they will actually get changed. Lol

If I were going away my chief obsession would be making sure they have redundant water sources. Maybe backups for the backups.

lol, no kidding that was my thought too do you think every 3 days is reasonable?

yes, that’s a very good idea! she sat for us 2 weeks in the summer so she knows how particular i am about food and water. i have heated dishes but i will make sure to go over that with her again too!

 

[SourRoses]

lol, no kidding that was my thought too do you think every 3 days is reasonable?

yes, that’s a very good idea! she sat for us 2 weeks in the summer so she knows how particular i am about food and water. i have heated dishes but i will make sure to go over that with her again too!

Umm, I think it's reasonable if the nests get dirty or if there's still a mite problem.
Personally I wouldn't throw those next pads away so quickly due to the expense, but if it's fine by you that's what matters!
If you wanted the changes to be on a schedule just so the sitter isn't trying to use her own judgement, you could have her fling the removed nest pads into a lidded tub or something so you can inspect them when you get back and reuse any that aren't dirty at all (?).
3 days / 2 weeks / number of nest boxes = how many pads?

 

[redriding]

Umm, I think it's reasonable if the nests get dirty or if there's still a mite problem.
Personally I wouldn't throw those next pads away so quickly due to the expense, but if it's fine by you that's what matters!
If you wanted the changes to be on a schedule just so the sitter isn't trying to use her own judgement, you could have her fling the removed nest pads into a lidded tub or something so you can inspect them when you get back and reuse any that aren't dirty at all (?).
3 days / 2 weeks / number of nest boxes = how many pads?

it’s only 2 nest boxes and only 2 of my 4 girls are laying. that’s an excellent idea though, i will have her throw them in a tub and i can deal with them when i get home. my girls are pretty good and don’t spend much time in the box so rarely poop in them. i just want to do anything i can to prevent the mites from coming back, horrible things ! the other thing i wonder is do you think she’ll need to add more sulfur dust to the boxes during the 2 weeks ? i’ll make sure to put fresh stuff in just before i go

 

[SourRoses]

it’s only 2 nest boxes and only 2 of my 4 girls are laying. that’s an excellent idea though, i will have her throw them in a tub and i can deal with them when i get home. my girls are pretty good and don’t spend much time in the box so rarely poop in them. i just want to do anything i can to prevent the mites from coming back, horrible things ! the other thing i wonder is do you think she’ll need to add more sulfur dust to the boxes during the 2 weeks ? i’ll make sure to put fresh stuff in just before i go

I use Elector PSP which is an effective, infrequent treatment, so I don't really know about products you have to reapply often.

 

[redriding]

I use Elector PSP which is an effective, infrequent treatment, so I don't really know about products you have to reapply often.

ok that makes sense. i wish we could get elector psp in canada. thanks for all your feedback !

 

[rosemarythyme]

With the sulfur assuming some falls off the nestpads and into the box itself, I would think that should be sufficient for the 2 weeks you're gone.