SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-sitter-written-instructions

Someone else will feed your fish while you're away. What does Purdue's 4-H guide advise?

Leave clear written instructions.

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  1. Dump in a week of food before you leave
  2. Tell them to feed whenever fish look hungry
  3. Leave clear written instructions ✔

Why: Purdue's guide says to feed fish yourself, but if you can't, leave written instructions or have another fish keeper do it. Clear directions help prevent overfeeding, which is easy to do.

Huh, didn't know that: CSU Extension says sitter instructions should cover daily tasks, what is normal and behaviors to watch for.

The dad joke
Why did the fish leave a note for the sitter? It didn't want any fishy business.
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References

Answer: Leave clear written instructions. Purdue's guide says to feed fish yourself, but if you can't, leave written instructions or have another fish keeper do it. Clear directions help prevent overfeeding, which is easy to do.

  1. Purdue Extension 4-H 447-W Aquatic Science www.extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/4-h-447-w.pdf
    Feed fish yourself. In an emergency, leave written instructions or have another hobby member do the feeding.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Colorado State University Extension: Animal Sitting extension.colostate.edu/lincoln/2026/06/01/4-h-newsletter-june-2026
    Have written instructions covering daily tasks, chore expectations, special handling needs per animal, what's normal
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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