Flock sitting service lets backyard chicken owners fly the coop
The Richfield couple started their own flock-sitting service after they had a hard time finding someone to take care of their ducks when they were out of town. With more people in urban areas of the Twin Cities owning their own chickens, they figured they were not alone.
The couple has owned ducks for years and have cared for chickens, too. They're backyard is complete with an elaborate coop with ponds and play areas for their ducks.
"The individual personalities kind of makes it more like a pet than like a farm animal," Craig said.
But with any pet, they learned vacations pose a problem. They figured other flock owners may have the same issue, which is why they started their flock-sitting business.
"For most properties we don't go every single day, it's usually maybe three or four days while the owners are gone, checking in and kind of cleaning up, collecting eggs, making sure everybody's safe. We have a good idea of what it looks like if a chicken or a duck is not feeling right," Craig said.
They share photos with the owners of their adventures while they're away.
"I think a lot of people are excited for the idea of having us like in their back pocket," Dana said.
The couple also offers duck encounters, allowing families to come over and interact with ducks before committing to owning one of their own.
"They can come over and we like put out blankets, we hang out with the ducks and we did a couple times where we like would dig in the dirt and find worms, and that's been really fun," she said.
They hope their business can help connect a growing community of urban backyard flock owners who also need to fly the coop from time to time.
"There's so many of us around that don't have that community that it kind of allows us to start having some conversations and learn from each other," Craig said.
The couple says they follow biosecurity measures to prevent spreading any illnesses from flock to flock. They also gather veterinarian information in case of emergency.
Flying the coop? Richfield couple launches backyard flock sitting business
RICHFIELD, Minn. – A new business is taking flight in Richfield, allowing backyard flock owners the opportunity for a stress-free vacation.
Dana and Craig Heinen launched a flock-sitting business, where they offer visits and care to chickens and ducks across the metro while owners are away.
"They definitely make everything more fun!" Dana said.
Families flock to Richfield backyard for 'duck encounters'
In one Richfield backyard, there isn’t your usual lawn furniture or swing set. Instead, there’s a royal blue, pink and turquoise hand-painted duck coop, multiple miniature swimming pools and a garden featuring one of the Heinen fowls’ favorites: tomatoes.
Craig and Dana Heinen started offering “duck encounters” with their flock last spring after several Facebook posts and reactions featuring pictures of Gilly, Chelan and Lefse garnered curious and amused reactions from the community. The couple had already offered flock sitting for backyard chicken and duck owners going out of town. And as both often or entirely work from home, the small business expansion seemed logical.
“I think I spend more time with them than some people spend with their kids,” Dana said.
“I read something last week that said — at least for millennials maybe — that pets are the new kids and plants are the new pets,” Craig said.
Now, for $50, a group of five can spend 30-45 minutes getting some waterbird TLC. That includes holding, petting and feeding the ducks, along with digging for worms, getting a coop tour and learning about their care. Craig Heinen says it’s perfect for everyone, whether a bird owner looking to expand their flock or an intrigued child wanting to learn about pets beyond your average cat or dog.
And, as 9-year-old Rory, almost-2-year-old Ender and their nanny Daniella learned, such a visit is simply delightful.
