Hey guys,

In my last post, I did get some tips on shipping live birds. When I passed on those to my friend, he wanted to know something more. What care should be done if he is shipping duckings?

This forum is highly useful and informative. So, I thought I would post the question here first!!

Thanks in advance!

Most varieties of domestic ducklings naturally do not eat and drink a significant amount for the first 36 to 60 hours after hatching, so this is the perfect time to ship them.  In fact, in natural incubation, this is the time when the ducklings would be resting under their mother, drying off and gaining strength to leave the nest. Use good quality alfalfa or grass hay to put in the bottom of each box to ensure good footing and proper absorption of all droppings.

Ducklings are a bit more susceptible to dehydration during shipment.So send some grogel B to go in with these ducklings to help them stay hydrated. They will arrive safe and healthy.

As always, consider the temperature factor which was discussed in the earlier post. Also, when shipping is being done, go for Express Mail for speedy delivery. Ducklings will most likely be dead if Priority Mail is used.

Just before they hatch, these ducklings absorb nutrients from the egg. This allows them to live without food or water. At extremely low temperatures, heat packs are added to help keep these duckings warm.

Well, that is a good question. I have heard small breeders ship ducklings via Priority Mail. They make sure the shipping box has ventilation holes and is not over-crowded with too much of ducklings in one go.

However, I personally don't recommend shipping via Priority Mail since it would be unkind from our side to treat them such a way to just save a few dollars in shipping expenses. These day-old ducklings have to remain in the shipping box during shipment time, when they should have actually been with their mother !!