what to do for vacation...duck sitter?

[LittleSquidgenHome]

We asked our neighbores with kids in 4-H. Most have zero duck experience but some have poultry experience and jump at the chance to feed and play with our flock and they are right down the road so getting to and from early in the day and late in the evening is not a problem. The key is, we have found, to over pay and not to ask too much of the sitters. This keeps it easy, fun, and worth it, and we have not had a single problem in 2 years. Good luck!

 

[redturtle]

hey OP...i gleaned from your posting too...glad i saw it cause that is what i was wondering....DH and i want to go camping...i had thought about the high school (never thought of the ffa)and the 4h from the local extension....we are needing local responsible honest kids...who just want to earn a few bucks cause we dont have much to spare...thus camping...lol...thnx 4 the info

 

[maralynn28]

Quote:
I think this is a great idea. This is what I would do.

This was my first thought but didn't know if I can find someone to come over. I would love it if someone would just come over...let the ducks out, let the dog out, replenish food and water....and other way around at night as well as checking that there is no predator in the pen. Also, although we get our share of 'natural watering' around here, I would love for someone to check up on my garden and make sure plants are ok.

As for neighbors, they all seem to keep to themselves too...there's one I had a falling out with the first week we got here (her dog has a tendency to think our yard is his territory and constantly growls at my kids while they play.)

Definitely wouldn't trust her. There are a few teenage boys in the area but not sure how trustworthy they are...

Thank you for confirming my thoughts to contact the 4-H and highschools, I'm definitely willing to pay and I know there are plenty of teens who wouldn't mind a few extra bucks. I wish I could guarantee someone reliable and trustworthy though.
Also, how much do you think is a fair wage for something like this? I think kennels charge 15-20$ a day, but how much for duck care? There are 4 of them, they would always be in run/pen and run is covered so not to wory about predators. I like the idea of checking with vets too! That didn't even occur to me! thanks!

 

[maralynn28]

Quote:
*redturtle*, let me know how your search goes! Maybe I can also get new leads based on your results. I'll let you all know if/where I find someone. There does seem to be a shortage of local responsible honest kids these days, also could be cause everyone around here lives so far apart from each other and keep to themselves, I wouldnt really know where to find them! lol

 

[JessicaB721]

Omgosh! I wish I Googled "duck sitter" sooner and found this sooner! I'm 38 years old, have never been to Florida, and my fiance's parents offered to take us, and my three kids to Florida this summer. Well, THIS week to be exact! So while my three kids are all there enjoying the beach and ocean, all I get to enjoy are the photos! I didn't go because I'm at home with all of my pets. And my ducks are the ONLY reason I didn't go, because I did not want to leave alone (due to the fact that most people do not know how to care for ducks properly)! But I'm glad I found this now, while I was sitting here bored, listening to my Creepypasta stories, for any future planned vacations! 🏖

 

[corriemartin]

You could call the local high school to see if there is a kid there that they feel is responsible enough to do that kind of work.
If understand your concerns. We spent 7 years not going anywhere because I had a mare that colicked way too often and being scared to go. Finally called a local boarding stable and they gave me the name of a girl who has been our animal sitter for the past 3 years. She is a godsend. She stays at the house and watches our 2 horses, 2 goats, 4 ducks, rabbit, 2 cats, 2 guinea pigs, chinchilla, and fish. The dogs go to the kennel cause one is a little crazy.
Good luck to you.

Just out of curiosity, how much do you pay this wonderful house/animal sitter? (It seems like some kids would be happy to do it just to get out of their own house and for the chance to be with all the animals.)

 

[Nessie2020]

I had the same problem when I was going to vacation. I figured other people did as well so I and a friend were thinking of starting a company where we come and watch people's ducks for them. Mine are spoiled rotten, absolutely love animals. If anyone is interested please reply