Chicken sitting checklist: What to tell your chicken sitters

Updated 22 Aug 2024

Feeling a little cooped up, but can’t bear the thought of going on vacation and leaving your feathered family members behind? If only there was an alternative to plucking up the courage to ask your neighbor or family members to step in while you’re away… 

Well what if we told you that chicken sitters are here to take care of your chickens whenever you need a vacation? Yup, here you can connect with chicken sitters to care for your lovely flock, while you enjoy time away.

Before you spread your wings and fly off into the sunset, you’re probably wondering - what should you tell your chicken sitter? And what will you need to have prepared beforehand?

Well here find two handy chicken sitting checklists - one for you (to make sure you’re prepared before your sitter arrives), and one for you to share with your chicken sitter so that your flock gets the best care possible.

So without any further ado, let’s get into all things feeding schedules, egg collection (and so much more).

How to find a chicken sitter?

One more thing before we get into your chicken sitting checklist - how to connect with a chicken sitter. Well luckily for your flock, things couldn’t be simpler. All you’ll need to do is choose your annual plan with us, then thousands of loving sitters are at your fingertips - at no extra cost - time and time again. For more on how finding a trusted chicken sitter works, click below.

If you're feeling all set to welcome your chicken sitter, great. We can all agree chickens are happier at home, without being carted about to chicken boarders. And the best part? Your chicken sitters stay for the love of the experience - nothing is exchanged between the two of you, but a love for the flock! 

So, what are you waiting for? Prep your welcome guide, secure a chicken sitter and take a look at our chicken sitting checklist below for both you and your sitter - take a screenshot or print it out, and get prepared!

Chicken sitter checklist for owners

Get prepared before the sit with the checklist below, so that your chicken sitter has everything they need.

Before the sit

• Supplies: Where will you leave essentials? Make sure you stock up on everything your chicken sitter will need, including a first aid kit.
• Feeding: Where will you leave the feed? Stock up and let your sitter know the feeding schedule.
• Treats: Be clear on what your sitter is and isn’t allowed to feed the chickens. 
• Getting in and out of the coop: Stress the importance of closing the coop securely and leave them with clear instructions on how to do so. 
• Cleaning the coop: Where will you leave the cleaning supplies? Give clear instructions on coop cleaning.
• Collecting the eggs: Provide instructions on egg collection, where to store them and if they’re allowed to eat the eggs.
• Free ranging chickens: Make sure sitters are clear on where to let them loose. 
• Emergency plan: Provide a plan for chicken sickness, injury or if one goes missing.
• Chicken behavior: Let them know any behavioral quirks - what’s normal and when to reach for the emergency plan.
• Security checks: Inform your sitter of any common predators and provide a flashlight for head counts, and the importance of securing the coop door.
• Extreme weather: Prepare your chicken sitter for what to do during severe weather conditions (including heat waves or extremely cold periods).
• Keeping things sanitary: Provide your chicken sitter with rubber gloves and a pair of gum boots or old shoes to protect their feet. 
• Vet details: Provide your local veterinarian contact info along with a trusted family or friend who lives nearby and can help if x, y or z happen.

Chicken sitting checklist for your sitter

Share the checklist for your chicken sitter so they can give your flock the best care possible. Tailor the list to your unique needs and preferences, and go over each step with your pet sitter beforehand.

• Water: Provide fresh water daily and clear any debris.
• Feeding: Stick to the feeding schedule the chicken owner has suggested.
• Treats: Only feed the chickens what the owner has suggested. Veggies like lettuce, cucumber, and carrots are ideal, but they should steer clear of potato peels and citrus fruits.
• Getting in and out of the coop: Take great care when opening the coop door, as some chicks may try to escape, and secure the coop properly. 
• Cleaning the coop: Clean the coop as instructed, using the supplies left behind.
• Collecting the eggs: Collect the eggs daily, store as instructed and only eat them if you’re allowed to do so.
• Free ranging chickens: If the chickens are free-range, only let them roam in the secure area the owner has instructed.
• Chicken behavior: A dust bath is totally normal, a healthy chicken may move around quickly with their wings glued to their side, and some might stand to the side with eyes and wings half open.
• Security checks: Check for signs of predators, take a daily head count and secure the coop door.
• Keeping things sanitary: Give your hands a good wash before and after working with the chickens to prevent the spread of disease.
• Emergency plan: In the instance of injury or sickness, separate them from the rest of the flock. If either happens or a chicken goes missing, follow the emergency plan provided.

What are farm sitting rates?

As we’ve mentioned, our sitters stay for the love of the experience - animals, travel and all. For more on welcoming farm sitters, explore our blog which explores all things rates for farm sitters.