[Frieslandfilly]

Just doing some research for my Mum, how big is the need for smallholder sitters out there? What do most people do, do you have friends and family that mind the place or pay someone, or as in our case not go away!! My Mum has been away travelling for 3 years and I am glad she is back cos it means I can take a holiday at last!! She was wondering if it was something there was a need for. 

[Hilarysmum]

Love the idea, not sure I would inflict my animals on some poor unsuspecting sitter.  They would take advantage big time.

[gavo]

WOULD LOVE A SITTER ! Holidays are almost a thing of the past here.

[dixie]

I am fortunate enough to have my parents here when we go away, but we do like to go away with them too sometimes, a friend sat for us last year, but I would be interested, but they would have to have experience with pigs, sheep and chickens, as well as the usual dogs cats etc!

[doganjo]

If it's any help I have a dog sitter who looks after my 5 dogs, cat, 3 + ducks and 4 hens, waters my plants inside, and also outside pots, keeps in touch via text. Charges £30 a day, plus tea/coffee/milk/sugar/biccies.  Don't leave food specially butr she knows to use up anything left in fridge that is perishable.  It's worth it if you have more than say three animals - kennelling is about £8 a day here.

[ballingall]

A friend of mine used to do it for a living when she was single. She had experience with goats, sheep, cattle, horses and all small animals too. She made a good living at it, but obviously the more successful you are, the less you are at home. She doesn't do it anymore as she ios now married with a little boy. She did have a built in clientale as she bred and shows her own goats, and who better to look after your herd of show goats, than someone who does it herself?

Beth

[plumseverywhere]

I would LOVE someone with experience of smallholding to sit for us - we don't expect a holiday any time soon!! friends have offered but it means milking a goat and looking after numerous animals and I'm not sure I'd feel happy inflicting the responsibility on someone who has no previous experience? so a smallholding sitter sounds great!!

[doganjo]

I would LOVE someone with experience of smallholding to sit for us - we don't expect a holiday any time soon!! friends have offered but it means milking a goat and looking after numerous animals and I'm not sure I'd feel happy inflicting the responsibility on someone who has no previous experience? so a smallholding sitter sounds great!!

You coul;d invite them over for lessons then break them in gradually with just a day, then a weekend

[Sharondp]

Sounds like a great idea - something I'd use anyway!

[Blinkers]

Yeah - do it; and provided you/your Mum is willing to travel, I'm sure you'll get bookings.

[Moregin]

It's a fantastic idea, we have a great girl comes to watch our brood,  but I feel tied to weekends as she works a fair distance away and can't get home at lunchtime to let the dogs out, fortunately we have great neighbours but I feel guilty relying on them.

If your mum does decide to set up, please let us know.

[Ty Siriol]

YES! This is something that I think there is a huge market for! I have seen ad's in the back of the NFU Countryside magazine for services like this previously. I've always thought it would be very expensive. I like the idea of having a text everyday to say all is well etc... let us know if you take this further. Not sure when we'll have a holiday, but good to know. 

[doganjo]

I might be interested if she can look after dogs too.

[sheardale]

I have a friend and she does house  sitting, looks after animals etc.  In fact she does all.  Her name is Bernadette and her phone no is        07867975561          Her rates are good.   If you phone her say Helen gave you the phone no.
Cheers Helen

[Budo1]

awsome idea.. we were just talking about the imposibilities of us traveling to London to a sick family member.... and as usual have had to divide our selves because of the animals etc.