Thoughts on ordering ducklings with current bird flu situation.

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I am kicking around ordering up to half a dozen ducklings, prices are sort of shocking, but not enough to deter me. What are the thoughts on the wisdom of ordering for spring given the current concerns with the bird flu?
Last year I got a couple 4 week old Cayuga, the flock took to them well, and I have always wanted some KC’s. These Cayuga are laying in the middle of the winter, none of my other birds have done that before, they came from a place here in VT, and I wonder if they are just a little hardier? If they would only lay in the coop instead of outside, the eggs might not be frozen when I get them my pekins are 5 years old and my one runner is 6, they are slowing down noticeably on the egg laying, even in good weather.

 

[AGeese]

Isn't it Metzer Hatchery that keeps reporting having to cull their stock? I haven't heard of or had any issues with Meyer Hatchery.

 

[User690263]

https://www.ksbw.com/article/bird-f...me for the,Metzer can repopulate his hatchery.
Here's an article from December 19th about the current Metzer farms AI situation

 

[TyTheColt]

https://www.ksbw.com/article/bird-flu-monterey-county-ducks-geese-eggs/63242463#:~:text=,” Metzer said.-,Metzer believes migrating ducks may be to blame for the,Metzer can repopulate his hatchery.
Here's an article from December 19th about the current Metzer farms AI situation

I did not know about Metzer having bird flu. I'll probably cancel my order.

 

[User690263]

I did not know about Metzer having bird flu. I'll probably cancel my order.

You could contact them to see what their current status is

 

[TyTheColt]

You could contact them to see what their current status is

They have 2 locations so it might still be ok.

 

[User690263]

They have 2 locations so it might still be ok.

I hope so! Good luck
If I were you I would contact them just in case, since I really don't want to deal with AI.

 

[TyTheColt]

I hope so! Good luck
If I were you I would contact them just in case, since I really don't want to deal with AI.

I will contact them. I don't want all my birds to get AI!

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I feel like Metzer uses all possible cautions and I have never heard anything bad about them. I do get nervous about the trip across the country, but realistically they may get there faster because they get shipped via a faster more direct method?

 

[lwolsin]

Thank you for posting this, I was just about to place my spring duckling order this morning. Looks like I will hold off for now!