Pet Sitter Woes! Dead birds!

[WingingIt]

I think I'd have immediately asked why they hadn't been taking care of the chickens in the garage that are also on the list. If they haven't been and they are all dead, they (teen and parents) need to go in there and remove them and clean it up before you get home. I have to say, though, how is it clearly on the list and THREE people read it and didn't do it? Either they are all super lazy or maybe it's not quite as clear as you thought, or the wording left them thinking something else instead? Did you walk them around and show them where everything was before you left (so they absolutely HAD to know they were there)? If so, they have no excuse at all. Poor things.

 

[dntd]

Some pet sitters don't follow rules , my MIL fed my snakes crickets, she claimed they were hungery even though they were fed before I left and only needed water if it ran out. Ball pythons do not like crickets nor do cornsnakes!

 

[Ferrret]

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???
Im a teen too, and I had over 90 birds I was just taking care of. I have had chickens for about 2 years now and my parents dont help me. I dont think age has to do with it. I was out there everyday taking care of my birds on top of chores, school and other pets. My dad helped me build the coop and that was it. I fed, medicated and watered everyone by myself without being asked to one time. I have to disagree.

You aren't like a lot of teens. I agree with Tigerjane that you are caring for your own pets and that certainly makes a difference. There is also the fact that a lot of teens aren't given any responsibilities, nor are they held accountable for their actions, so if they don't feel like doing something, they just don't do it. One or two teens who are capable of doing the right thing, doesn't mean all are, and vice versa.

A 13 year old being supervised by his parents should have been fully capable of checking the chicks in the garage. I would question why no one went in there and why no one had called to ask any questions, like how to get into the garage.
I wouldn't have them pet sit again. The trust is gone and I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving any animal alone in their care.

 

[HHandbasket]

My 2 cents for what it's worth.

I would ask the parents to reimburse you for the financial cost of your loss. If they do not, then I would take the parents to small claims court for the cost of the dead birds, the cost of the cleanup (there is now biohazardous waste rotting in your garage which may require professional clean-up if their rotting bodies begin to seep into the concrete before you get home). Do you have COPIES of the instructions you left? Those will come in REAL handy in small claims court. You may prefer to not have discord with your neighbors, but it's not like YOU created the discord. Also, if you take them to court, include not only the cost of said dead birds and clean-up but also whatever it will cost you in additional expenses, shipping, etc., to get new ones, AS WELL AS the cost of whatever cage or container they were in that is no longer usable because of the biohazardous waste.

It's not about getting revenge on your neighbors. It's business, plain and simple. It's about recuping the costs lost by their negligence, and you would not be outside the realm of what is right to request that from your neighbors, whom you PAID to follow your instructions.

Regardless of the age of the kid(s) you left in charge, the parents are ultimately responsible for what their kids do or don't do, especially if they "verified" that the instructions were followed. Obviously, their verification process is pretty lacking.

Somebody's been smokin' the hay or something over there.

 

[Brindlebtch]

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No, he's not.

 

[HHandbasket]

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Yes, accidents happen. This was gross negligence, not an accident.

 

[BeccaOH]

NO ONE WILL CARE FOR YOUR BIRDS LIKE YOU WILL.

I'm sorry about your birds, but that statement is so true. Only you know how you would care for each bird and pen. If you walked him through each chore before you left, then he should have been aware of the meaties and cared for them. He should be told of their death and deducted pay for them. There are consequences for a job done incomplete or incompetently.

That being said, I have so many pens and birds right now that I really hate going away. I hate putting the responsibility on another person who doesn't know my full system. I was gone for 2 nights a couple weeks ago and had to just trust that no bird would die. My mother was at the house to open and close run doors, then my best chicken friend came during the full day I was gone to water and feed (it was in the 90s that week and my meaties were consuming 9 gallons a day). I left a LONG checklist and no bird or rabbit died, but it is stressful and part of the reason why I MUST downsize. I have a longer trip coming up in September.

 

[DragonEggs]

Have you spoken with the neighbors yet and come to some sort of conclusion?

 

[Wifezilla]

One of my biggest fears when pet sitting is losing a pet on my watch. I have cared for some very elderly animals and all I could think the whole time was "don't die until your people get home PLEASE!".

That being said, he either didn't understand your instructions or just ignored them. Either way he should be held accountable. Its a valuable life lesson for this kid.

 

[dappertophatter]

I am so sorry that this horrible thing happened to you, Whiteconfections . Are you home yet? Is everybody else OK?

Bleh. Can't spell horrible.