what to do for vacation...duck sitter?

[maralynn28]

Hi all,
I'm wanting to take a week vacation with my hubby but don't know what to do with the ducks while we're gone. The dog can go to a kennel but they won't take ducks (I actually called and asked...lol) I'm new to the area and also a bit of a homebody so don't really know anyone here to come over and take care of them. I was wondering what do you all do? Also, do you think the 4-H or something like that has kids that are willing to take care of animals for people on vacation? I don't want to trust just ANYONE, but I also don't want to be stuck at home all summer because I wanted ducks. My hubby wouldn't be happy as I had to twist his arm to get them anyway.

Any advice or suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

PS I think the ducks should be 8wks old by then, so at least it's not duckling work anymore, if that matters...

 

[L0rraine]

It's always a tough one for me too. I'm on Whidbey and our neighbor (who shares chickens with me) helps some, but they are a lot more work than the chickens. My daughter and nieces will come over a few of the days and I can usually patch enough people together to cover (but THEN I WORRY SICK ABOUT THEM the whole time I'm gone).

 

[maralynn28]

:sigh: that's just it...all my family is east coast, I want to visit but gotta figure out what to do with the waddlebutts.

 

[L0rraine]

Well I think some of us better start thinking about creating a 'Duck Kennel'.

Seems like boarding few wouldn't be too hard. My problem is that I've got nine and they'd be really hard to farm out.

 

[Mom2Cool]

Ok well I think your 4H idea was a great one. maybe you could get in touch with your local 4H chapter. They have monthly meetings I think & so maybe they could ask for you... Also since you're not opposed to asking the kennel if they'd take them maybe instead you could find one of those pet sitters that come to the house. I imagine they're taking care of dogs, cats & probably birds & so maybe they would consider taking care of chickens??

 

[veronicasmom]

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.

 

[Amiga]

In my case I have already tapped a few neighbors, asking if they would be willing to duck-sit. We still need a trial run, to make sure it will work.

Another source for pet-sitting would be calling the veterinarians in the area to find vet-techs who do pet care. These people are trained and motivated by their love for animals, and often look to pick up an extra few bucks. You may even find someone with a special interest in ducks.

 

[Brickman House]

I work at a horse barn, and there is no shortage of older teens who are dying for the extra cash to farm sit for me when I go away-- frankly, I think some of them would pay me to leave! Look up a few riding stables in your area, and pop by late afternoon (between 4 and 7 is usually best if you want to find lots of people there, though if it's a full time barn, any time from mid-morning on usually works). Every barn has a whole gaggle of teenage girls who work and ride there, and I can guarantee you the trainer can tell you which ones are responsible and will do a good job for you. They can also tell you who will appreciate the opportunity for the extra money, and will work hard for it.

I would call your local extension office, and get some contacts for your local 4H clubs. Also, call your local high school, and get the contact for the FFA club, if there is one. Ask at your local feed store and produce stand. How about a local poultry club? You'll be absolutely floored at how small your local farm community is, once you start asking around.

 

[kuntrygirl]

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

 

[pishposh]

I hired a dog walker to come over and take care of mine twice a day!