Need suggestions on how to travel with pet ducks

[MakeshiftAcre]

I would try Sweet PDZ instead of sand. The dedicated coop-trailer sounds an excellent idea also. Do check what inspections and permits you need, and bring copies of the regulations; with the current AI scare, you can never tell who will decide to be officious.

 

[enola]

And please do not make the mistake of not having health permits....

It is possible that poultry traveling across state lines will be confiscated. Confiscated poultry is destroyed......

 

[napdognewfie]

Maybe try diapers. Lots of people swear by them. Lol

 

[Amiga]

Ducks can get carsick, so they need water available when they travel (but food only when you're going to be holding still for a while.

Regarding poo smell: What makes for maximum stink is no oxygen. What really helps minimize stink aside from oxygen is high carbon. I would consider sawdust pellets - they are very absorbent, and fluff up a bit as they are used. You can spot pick a couple of times a day to minimize odor. And when they make that "seventh poop," or caecal poop, whatever you call it, just roll down the windows and remove the offending blob.

I like using a coated metal wire dog crate, covered with plastic poultry fence, for transporting ducks. I can get three 4-5 pound ducks in one comfortably, with room for water.

Here is my water container for the road. Virtually spill-proof, thanks Kim Link at Majestic for the idea. This is what it looks like, assembled. It's a plastic leftover food container with the lid cut out, leaving a one inch lip to prevent splashing and spilling. The round part is a heavy Pyrex flat-bottomed, straight-sided bowl to prevent tip-overs. Here it is, assembled.


The two component parts.



You can get food-grade, 5 gallon jerry cans and use one to carry water.

 

[Weehopper]

I used to travel rabbits to shows all over the U.S. One main concern was overheating. If you can afford it, I would use rabbit carriers. All wire, with detachable bottoms. You can put straw in the bottom so they are not sitting on wire. The carriers come in various sizes, from one hole, to 3 or 4 holes. Only wire between the birds, so they are seeing each other. Top swings up to open each hole separately. Search for rabbit equipment on the net. There are several large suppliers. These cases are also useful for isolation and limited movement when needed. They will last you a lifetime if cleaned and cared for. Suppliers also have feed and water cups that are made for fitting these carriers. These are also airline approved, should you want to ship (can't use straw in that case).
Also, if possible keep your air conditioning on in the back for the birds when needed. When I traveled the rabbits, I used my mini van, and hung a blanket behind the front seats, and just turned on the air in the back. I didn't freeze, and the buns stayed cool as cucumbers.

 

[Weehopper]

Here's the best supplier: https://www.kwcages.com/

 

[Weehopper]

Lol I'm on a roll: https://www.kwcages.com/cages/rabbit/transport-cages.html