Duck/cat sitting in Paignton Devon Sat 29 November - Sat 6th December

About this assignment

To be honest and trustworthy and respect my house as if it were their own. Definitely someone who does not mind a bit of mud as during the winter months the ducks manage to generate a lot of this. Belle, my cat, is a rescue cat and very very timid. I have had her 6 months but if anyone visits she will usually hide away until they have gone and she is easily scared, so quiet and gentle house sitters would be preferred.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

I have 2 ducks -Arlo and Bill. (Both girls) They are very easy to care for - basically let them out of their house in the morning and make sure they are shut up at night when it is dark to prevent foxes getting them. A bowl of salad helps them run to bed! Their water and food will need topping up and the top layer of hay in their house needs changing daily. Their water bowls need changing every other day or so, there is a hose that reaches up to the where they live. They don't tend to lay in the winter months. Due to the Avian flu restrictions there is a netted area but nearer the time we will know if they have to stay in there. They do not need looking after during the day so you are free to explore the area which is beautiful. Getting in and out of the duck area and cleaning them requires mobility and the house would not be suitable for wheelchair users due to the amount of steps to the house. Belle uses a litter tray I have not manageg to teach her the cat flap. She does go out but not usually for long. She would need to be in at night. She needs feeding twice a day and her litter tray cleaning when she has used it. She also likes a few dreamies now and again and a stick treat. She will probably go into hiding for the first day or two anyway.
No other responsibilities.

What are the good features of the property and location

Paignton is a beautiful seaside town in Torbay. My house is just an ordinary house though very comfortable and clean inside. The house has one double bedroom and a " cat" room and a bedroom with bunk beds for my grandchildren. The house is completely modernised, the bathroom is a modern shower room, the kitchen has oak cupboards and granite work surfaces. Central heating and a log/coal burning fire in the living room. All mod cons freezer, cooker, hob, washing machine, dish-washer, microwave etc.
Torbay is on the edge of the moors and within reach of Cornwall and beautiful coastal areas of Devon. There are good transport links with the trains and buses including a steam train. Also ferries if you fancy a day out. There are plenty of supermarkets in Paignton, with department stores in Torquay , Exeter and Plymouth.

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

No previous experience of ducks necessary - they are easy going creatures. To protect them from any foxes the ducks need to go to bed when it is dusk, and be let out in the morning. They are tolerant of weekends (ie they don't mind you having a lay in) but they would not be happy left till midday. So you need to be around in the morning and evening before it is dark. Belle needs treating with care and affection but she is not likely to come very near to you.
I will leaving and returning about lunchtime on the Saturdays. You could leave once you had let the ducks out in the morning
Dog and the ducks do not really mix and although my grandchildren visit occasionally this sends Belle into hiding for the whole time so I don't think she could cope with children for this amount of time.
I do not pay for house sitters as I believe you would be benefiting from a holiday in a beautiful area in a comfortable home, and the jobs are not too onerous. I have a fortnightly cleaner and monthly gardener so no need for any jobs to be done.
Thank you for reading.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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