Best hatchery to buy ducklings?

[Sentimentalgamer]

I can't remember which hatchery it was, but I watched another tour and they wouldn't let the people in at all to see them being sexed.

Probably because no credible chicken farmer would order from them if they saw! No wonder so many die otw, I'd be stressed too if someone dug threw my crotch then tossed me in a box on top of my brother's then let me side down a metal ramp after squishing my neck down so a needle could jam in it! And all that BEFORE getting shipped in a dark and scary box. That's alot for such a tiny animal right after hatching

 

[Ryder]

Probably because no credible chicken farmer would order from them if they saw! No wonder so many die otw, I'd be stressed too if someone dug threw my crotch then tossed me in a box on top of my brother's then let me side down a metal ramp after squishing my neck down so a needle could jam in it! And all that BEFORE getting shipped in a dark and scary box. That's alot for such a tiny animal right after hatching

Never thought of it that way but yah so scary for them!!!!

 

[Jbently28]

Probably because no credible chicken farmer would order from them if they saw! No wonder so many die otw, I'd be stressed too if someone dug threw my crotch then tossed me in a box on top of my brother's then let me side down a metal ramp after squishing my neck down so a needle could jam in it! And all that BEFORE getting shipped in a dark and scary box. That's alot for such a tiny animal right after hatching

My thoughts exactly. I'm almost certain that most of the larger hatcheries have the same exact practices in order to keep operations running smoothly. Apparently it's a pretty normal thing or they wouldn't have allowed it to be put out there for the world to see. And who knows, what we see may be one of the better ones.

 

[quackiemama]

Glad to hear the your little one recovered!

She did and let me tell you what she is a spunky little thing. She is the bravest one when exploring and is so very cuddly.

 

[house.of.ducks]

I've always had good luck with Metzer and they shipped all the way from California to me in Connecticut and every time I ordered the minimum and the babies arrived happy and healthy.

 

[Birdsonghill]

I would agree, Metzers of California is a reliable source of ducklings. They are so reliable , they have become one of the biggest and used by many hatcheries, as their source, from where they are drop shipped to you. Their size and specializing in ducks means they consistently maintain a good breeding program for ducks and are well maintained. Many people who order ducks are surprised to learn their ducks ordered came from California, after they ordered them from a hatchery in another state closer to them. Usually mail order live chicks require two days or more, likely three days and sometimes more, with bad results after three days. Only USPS delivers live chicks/ducklings. It takes the minimum of two days or three days, even when the hatchery is only hours away by car! I have seen no difference in delivery times related to hatcheries being two thousand miles away or five hundred miles! It has been up to the USPS employees and usually it has worked for me. Avoid orders in the mid winter or summer if possible, because of likely increased stress. I have ordered chicks and ducks from Mcmurray successfully and several others and none of the hatcheries ever failed me. Safe and Timely delivery has always been the key element and it is in the hands of the USPS.