People Tampering With Birds in Transit-Stories and Photos?

[Wild-Turkey]

I haven’t really seen anything about this on BC but I’ve heard way too many stories about it.

This year, in March, we ordered three ducklings to add to our existing flock of 14 ducks. A Chocolate Runner, a Khaki Campbell, and a Welsh Harlequin from Metzer, all hens. We waited till August to get them and had to wait an extra day than usual to get them because of COVID-19. Anyways, when they arrived the box was resealed with new staples and some tape. When we got home, we opened the box, and got a disappointing surprise, our little Welsh was dead and there were was a foam cup, ripped in half and empty (probably filled with something, but we still have no idea what). The cup that contained gro-gel was filled with water and the inside of the box was soaked from the water splashing everywhere. Little Welsh’s crop was slightly squishy and full of water, we presume she died from drinking too much and drowning. Her down was also soaked. Little Runner was constipated for about 24 hours but luckily recovered, they were both weak. They most likely ate some foam as well knowing how curious ducks can be.
I know that whoever did it was trying to help but it infuriates me that they wouldn’t make sure it was safe first. It was so scary hoping that they’d both survive so that one of them wouldn’t be lonely and stressed. They are both alive, well, and have bonded very quickly with our other ducks, especially our two Rouen rescues, Io and Alder.

I’d love to hear your stories and see your photos as I’m wondering if this has happened to others.

 

[Hei 20]

I haven’t really seen anything about this on BC but I’ve heard way too many stories about it.

This year, in March, we ordered three ducklings to add to our existing flock of 14 ducks. A Chocolate Runner, a Khaki Campbell, and a Welsh Harlequin from Metzer, all hens. We waited till August to get them and had to wait an extra day than usual to get them because of COVID-19. Anyways, when they arrived the box was resealed with new staples and some tape. When we got home, we opened the box, and got a disappointing surprise, our little Welsh was dead and there were was a foam cup, ripped in half and empty (probably filled with something, but we still have no idea what). The cup that contained gro-gel was filled with water and the inside of the box was soaked from the water splashing everywhere. Little Welsh’s crop was slightly squishy and full of water, we presume she died from drinking too much and drowning. Her down was also soaked. Little Runner was constipated for about 24 hours but luckily recovered, they were both weak. They most likely ate some foam as well knowing how curious ducks can be.
I know that whoever did it was trying to help but it infuriates me that they wouldn’t make sure it was safe first. It was so scary hoping that they’d both survive so that one of them wouldn’t be lonely and stressed. They are both alive, well, and have bonded very quickly with our other ducks, especially our two Rouen rescues, Io and Alder.

I’d love to hear your stories and see your photos as I’m wondering if this has happened to others.

I am sorry they went through all that. I am so glad that they are okay no.

 

[416bigbore]

Sorry, I have no stories like that, how sad. I am glad your others are doing well. Best of luck and please keep us posted.

 

[Ratchnick]

That is infuriating!

 

[Percipen]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Poor babies ☹ I hadn't really heard any negative stories until AFTER I ordered 6 ducklings from Metzer a couple weeks ago. I was very nervous about the whole ordeal until they were home and settled in. My only complaint, which was no fault of anyone, was that for the first 12 hours or so after they were home, they wouldn't lay down. They would fall asleep standing up, start tipping over, wake up startled, doze off again while still standing and this continued in between them devouring food and water. They've been here for 4 days now and are completely adjusted and as sweet as can be. Did you contact metzer? I wonder what they would have to say about the box being opened and tampered with...especially the styrophome cup being in there.

 

[Wild-Turkey]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Poor babies ☹ I hadn't really heard any negative stories until AFTER I ordered 6 ducklings from Metzer a couple weeks ago. I was very nervous about the whole ordeal until they were home and settled in. My only complaint, which was no fault of anyone, was that for the first 12 hours or so after they were home, they wouldn't lay down. They would fall asleep standing up, start tipping over, wake up startled, doze off again while still standing and this continued in between them devouring food and water. They've been here for 4 days now and are completely adjusted and as sweet as can be. Did you contact metzer? I wonder what they would have to say about the box being opened and tampered with...especially the styrophome cup being in there.

Thank you, it was heartbreaking as well since the other two didn’t really know what was going on.
That’s interesting, I’ve never heard of ducklings that won’t lay down. I know most of the ducklings we’ve had would startle themselves falling over asleep and waking up in their younger weeks, but they were always laying down. Maybe it had something to do with the stress of shipping? Whatever happened, I’m happy they sound alright now.
We contacted them and got a refund but they couldn’t do anything about the tampering.

 

[BigLar368]

We ordered online earlier this year. 12 chickens and 4 ducks. I was skeptical that they would all make it alive. So skeptical I stopped at Tractor Supply and picked up 4 chicks just incase some arrived dead. To my surprise all arrived in great health and hit the ground running.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

...whoever 'tampered' with your box probably saved the lives of the others. This is why I would never ship or order shipped animals.

 

[Ratchnick]

...whoever 'tampered' with your box probably saved the lives of the others. This is why I would never ship or order shipped animals.

Highly unlikely

 

[Wild-Turkey]

...whoever 'tampered' with your box probably saved the lives of the others. This is why I would never ship or order shipped animals.

I have ordered five times from hatcheries, gotten over twenty birds, and all but two have survived shipping. Six have died from genetic or physical issues not visible at hatching. One of the nine birds I’ve gotten locally has died and one has an issue that causes her to vomit or not be able to breath if picked up incorrectly, four are the biggest jerks to our other birds we’ve ever gotten, the only ones who pick on the others, they’re now separated. The ducklings had gro-gel, a heat pack, and straw insulating their box, and were shipped as soon as possible after hatching so they had yolk left. They were soaked and freezing from the water splashing when they arrived and one was constipated from the foam cup and whatever was in it for twelve whole hours, it’s lucky they didn’t die of shock. Believe me, they would’ve been much better off without the tampering and Little Welsh would probably be alive.