Ordering Ducklings through the Mail. What is it like?

[quailheart]

I wasn't sure what topic to put this under so I picked a random one! Anyways, I just ordered ducklings online for the first time. They are getting shipped on June 1st. Does anyone have any experience ordering chicks through the mail that could tell me what it's like? Does it ship to my house or my Post Office, what kind of box does it come in, does it stay on my porch until I come and get it, details like that would be really helpful. Thanks guys!

Edit: I did a little research and live animals do not get mailed to your door. What was I thinking anyways? Well, I'd prefer not to explain the whole story but I am not allowed to show my face in my local post office. We live close to it though, would I be able to send my daughter up there to bring home the ducklings? I have never had a mail order where I had to actually go to my post office to pick it up so I have no experience with this!

 

[CHlCKEN]

During the summer and winter months shipping birds is risky because extreme temperatures can really hurt your birds. Right around now is the best time to do IMO, but I shipped birds on near the same date you did last year and all were healthy and fine. Packages usually are cardboard boxes with straw pads on the bottom. You may also find a blue or green glob of something that looks like wet playdough in it, and that's just a bit of something your birds can eat during the journey, though they may not touch it since they will still retain the nutrition of the yolk for about 2-3days, which is how long their shipping journey should last. I got my ducklings last week (they’re swimming next to me right now) and I personally think they do better in shipping than chicks. They’re bigger and stronger.
Boxes should not be brought to your porch, instead, you should get a call from the post office early in the morning (between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM usually) and pick them up yourself. The box looks like this:

If you have any other questions we would all love to help answer them! I've had birds shipped to me 5 times before and have had my fair share of experiences.

I have never lost a chick or duckling during or after shipping, it can happen, but Is not very common.

 

[quailheart]

Do you have to show the Post Office anything? How do you prove it was your order is what I'm trying to say. I'm planning on sending my daughter up there to pick them up, is that even allowed? Thanks for the help! I appreciate it.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

I'd keep your online purchase receipt to send with your daughter, along with your ID and hers. Maybe printing the emails stating your order confirmation, shipping notice, etc will probably be helpful too. Whenever the post office calls to let you they have arrived, be sure to let them know your daughter will be picking them up and bringing the proper paperwork

 

[quailheart]

Ok thanks! That was really helpful.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

You're welcome! Best wishes for your flock!

 

[EllieandOlive]

I have to show my ID matches the duckling order to pick it up. However I bet you could print off your order page and send it with your pick up person.