Having birds shipped... Overall experiences?

[SilverPhoenix]

I bought my first pair of call ducks from a member here just a few days ago, and they're going to be shipped (I assume USPS) on Tuesday morning. However, reading cawooduck's post about the ring teal that were lost in the mail and died has made me very nervous... I would feel terrible if anything happened to these little guys in transit. I've been excited about them since I first heard from her, and I spent the little money I could scrape together as a full-time college student on purchasing these two ducks.

So, I ask you all: If you've ever bought birds from someone else and had them shipped in the US, what was your experience? Has it been mostly positive, mostly negative? How many birds have you lost? I'm especially curious about adults, as the two I bought are two and a half years old. Also, is there anything I can do to help up my chances that these birds will arrive safely and quickly? Should I call my local PO to let them know these guys will be coming? Is there anything I should request on her end to make sure they get out all right?

I'm just nervous, and I really want an idea of what to expect. If the feedback here is overwhelmingly negative, I may have to see if I can find an alternate way to have them shipped...

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum--I wasn't quite sure where would be the best place to post this.

 

[c_soto1990]

This year I had two birds shipped to me and even a baby alligator and all are good and healthy,plus I recieved all 3 animals during winter.My dad has even had some birds shipped from puerto rico and they did good too.

 

[steelersfan43]

If I were you, I would call the PO and let them know they are coming. Also, give them your phone numbers and ask them to hold them for you to pick up. This way they are not out riding around with the mail getting delivered. We usually have whoever is shipping to us write do not deliver on the box and give them our phone numbers to write on the box, that way the PO calls as soon as they get there and we can get them home right away to food and water and warmth. Good luck!

 

[CityChicker]

I posted on that thread as well, but will do so here too. I have shipped literally hundreds of birds and only ever had one issue (and even that one was with an airline, not USPS). I don't know if I have just been lucky or what, but I have really not had any significant problems at all. At our current post office, it typically takes at least two days even for Express whereas our last one the birds generally would arrive the next day (I'm sure it is just their pick up and drop off schedule, but anyway...). Even with the additional shipping time, the birds have always faired extremely well.

No horror stories to share here! There is usually some minor dehydration, but once they are out of the shipping containers, they rebound very quickly. Over the last month or so alone, we have received about 20 adult ducks by USPS and all arrived safe and sound. I really wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[CARS]

In addition to talking to your local post office, I would see if you can talk to someone at the local distribution center. The last couple time I have ordered day-old chicks, they never get to my post office. The distribution center calls me and I need to drive an hour away to get them.

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
I agree this is the best way to make sure you get your birds in a timely fashion.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Thank you so much for your replies! This really helps and makes me feel better. I'll call the PO and distribution office tomorrow to make sure they know what to do.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Just wanted to post again to say my ducks got to me safe and sound, and in less than twenty-four hours! Very happy.

I'll do a post with pictures of them tomorrow!

 

[NYREDS]

I have received shipped birds a number of times over the years & have shipped many as well. Never had a problem.
The PO really does a great job with the literally billions of pieces of mail they handle each year [including millions of live birds].

 

[cmom]

I have called the post office to alert them that I was expecting a shipment of chicks. The post office called me when they came in and I went and picked them up. They were a day late but all were healthy and survived.