Moving ducks from US to Canada...help?

[emuhleey]

Hi, I got some great ideas from this forum already, but I still have some concerns. I've looked up how to actually get them across the border legally, and even though I'm still nervous about that, I think I can figure it out, Mainly I'm concerned traveling the 8 hours with my 2 babies. How do I even get them into my car in the first place? They haven't been in a car since I brought them home as ducklings years ago. Will they be scared? Do they get carsick? Any tips for long distance duck-transporting is much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

I use what I call "The Limousine." It is a coated-wire dog crate, covered with one-inch gap plastic poultry fence so that they cannot stick their heads out (and risk serious injury or death).

I put a towel or three in the bottom.

And I make sure they have water during the ride. We have not travelled for more than a few hours at a time yet, so I have not experience with feeding them. I think 8 hours will call for at least a half hour meal break in the middle of the trip.

I would not feed during the trip because - and I do speak from experience here - ducks can get carsick. Yup.

Since I am a very overprotective duck mom, I would carry a foot-long section of rubber medical tubing - the stuff that's soft but firm. It is recommended by Storey's Guide for choking ducks. Because worst case, if they throw up and something gets stuck in their throat, I would want to be able to help them out if necessary. Now a good way to avoid that might be to make sure the food they eat is nice and soft. But these are just ideas I am tossing out.

For water, use a no-spill waterer. I made my own from Majestic Waterfowl's directions.


plastic food container, with a hole cut out of the lid,


fits snugly into this heavy Pyrex bowl.

Makes it harder to tip over.

And carry a gallon of water for them in case they figure out how to dump their water. And some plastic bags for wet bedding, and a few changes of bedding.

 

[emuhleey]

Those tips were VERY helpful, thank you so much! I'll definitely do something similar to that waterer you made! And I didn't even think about them sticking their heads out...thanks for that too.

I guess I have to lure them into the crate with treats? They don't like to be picked up, although Puddles loves cuddling with me. I just want them to be as comfortable and safe as possible <3

 

[Amiga]

For the Buffs I set the Limousine at one gate, doors open, I go to the other gate and herd them in. Then I get help to carry the Limousine into the car.

For the Runners, I generally can pick them up, and hold them gently and firmly, close to my body, and place them into the Limousine.

 

[emuhleey]

Thank you, good idea. Puddles will let me pick him up but Elvis will want nothing to do with it.
If anyone else has any ideas, please feel free to share but I did get a lot of good info already!