top of page
PETswithbrenda (Logo)_edited.jpg
  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon
Search

How to Take Care of Chickens and Roosters as a Pet Sitter

  • Writer: Brenda Cardoso
    Brenda Cardoso
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 3 min read

More and more families are starting to keep chickens and roosters as part of their home — not just for fresh eggs, but as loving, funny, personality-filled pets. And yes… they absolutely need pet sitters too!

If you’re a pet sitter (or a chicken parent looking for help), here’s a complete guide on how to properly care for backyard chickens and roosters with love, safety, and confidence.


1. Understand Their Daily Routine

Chickens are creatures of habit. They like routine and consistency — especially with:

  • Feeding

  • Letting them out

  • Bringing them back in

  • Roosting time (sleeping time)

What pet sitters should do: ✔️ Ask the owner for the exact schedule ✔️ Follow it closely ✔️ Keep track of egg collection times

A predictable routine = calm, healthy chickens.

2. Feeding: What They Need Daily

Healthy chickens need a balanced diet. Most families feed:

  • Layer feed/pellets (main diet)

  • Fresh water daily (they drink more than people expect!)

  • Vegetable scraps like lettuce, kale, cucumber

  • Grains like corn or scratch mix (as a treat, not a meal)

Important:Chickens cannot go a day without food and water. Dehydration happens fast.

What to do as a pet sitter: ✔️ Refill clean water every visit ✔️ Top off food bowls ✔️ Ask about any chickens with special dietary needs ✔️ Throw a few treats to build trust — they love it!

chicken in her crate with food
Chicken with her fresh food

3. Egg Collection


Most hens lay 1 egg a day, sometimes every other day.

Why you must collect eggs:

  • Prevents pests

  • Keeps the coop clean

  • Keeps eggs from cracking or freezing (depending on weather)

Clients love coming home to a basket of fresh eggs — it’s a cute bonus of your service!



hand holding an egg
Little surprise in the morning


4. Coop Safety & Cleanliness


Chickens need a clean and secure coop to stay healthy and safe.

Your job as a pet sitter: ✔️ Check that the coop is locked at dusk ✔️ Look for holes, loose boards, or signs of predators ✔️ Remove wet bedding spots ✔️ Keep nesting boxes clean.

Common predators (even in neighborhoods):

  • Raccoons

  • Hawks

  • Foxes

  • Dogs

  • Snakes

Keeping the coop secure is one of the most important parts of chicken sitting.



This open space is a dangerous entry point for predators.


5. Watching for Health Issues

Chickens hide sickness just like cats do.A sitter should keep an eye out for:

  • Lethargy

  • Not eating

  • Pale comb

  • Limping

  • Sneezing or runny nose

  • Injuries from pecking

If something looks off, notify the owner immediately.

6. How to Safely Handle Chickens

Many sitters are nervous at first — but chickens are gentle when handled correctly.

Tips: ✔️ Approach calmly ✔️ Scoop from underneath, supporting their body ✔️ Keep them close to your chest ✔️ Don’t chase them around the yard

For roosters:They can be protective!If the owner warns you that the rooster is aggressive, keep your space and avoid turning your back on him.

7. Letting Them Out (and Back In)

Some families free-range their chickens in the yard.

As a sitter:

  • Only let them out if the owner allows

  • Stay outside or check on them often

  • Make sure every single chicken comes back inside at dusk

  • Count them! Owners will tell you how many to expect

Chickens naturally return to their coop at sunset — but you still need to make sure everyone made it home.

8. Building Trust With the Flock

Chickens bond with people more than most think.

To build trust as their sitter: ✔️ Talk to them softly ✔️ Bring treats ✔️ Move slowly ✔️ Sit in the yard while they roam

Very soon, they’ll be following you around like little feathery puppies.

9. Why Chicken Owners Need a Pet Sitter

Because chickens can’t be left alone. They need someone to:

  • Feed them

  • Refill clean water

  • Collect eggs

  • Lock the coop

  • Check for injuries

  • Protect them from predators

Having a sitter who knows what they’re doing is a HUGE relief for chicken families.

Final Thoughts

Caring for chickens and roosters is rewarding, peaceful, and surprisingly fun. With the right routine, safety steps, and attention to detail, a pet sitter can keep a flock healthy and happy while the family is away.

At PetswithBrenda, I care for all kinds of pets — from dogs and cats to chickens, roosters, ducks, and more. 🐔🐾

Whether your flock needs daily visits or weekend care, I’ve got you covered with love and experience.



Comments

bottom of page