Moving Ducklings

[nigella]

Hi there! I work in some university gardens and we're going to get 4 ducklings this spring! We are very excited! I was planning to brood them in a large Rubbermaid to start. My initial plan was to take them to work with me and then home again at night. Would this twice a day trip be too traumatic for them? I was going to keep them in the bin, and maybe toss a blanket over them for the trip. It's about a 10 minute drive and I'd make sure the car is warmed up for them.
I'm not sure what to do otherwise. I don't want to leave them at home unsupervised from 8-5 or alone all night at work. Nor do I want to sleep in my office.
What do y'all think? Thank you!

 

[AmazingRachel]

It would be fine to leave them at home unsupervised for that long in a rubbermaid bin. Just make sure that the heat lamp is secured well and that they have adequate food and water and they'll be fine.

 

[nigella]

Ok that's good to know! I was wondering how folks had jobs and ducklings at the same time.
An internship program is part of my job and it would be neat to occasionally send the ducklings home with different (very trustworthy) babysitters as a learning experience. Would this be too much for them with unfamiliar sounds and smells even though they'd be in their usual container? I'd like my students to learn from them but want to prioritize the duckling's care and also want them to imprint on me since I'll be their main caretaker.

 

[chickens really]

You don't want to be doing that..They should stay home and be brooded by you till old enough to be outside..