Thoughts on ordering ducklings with current bird flu situation.

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Would you consider ordering hatching eggs instead? I had great luck with ordering eggs from Metzer’s last spring, and it seems like that would be safer, AI-wise!

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Would you consider ordering hatching eggs instead? I had great luck with ordering eggs from Metzer’s last spring, and it seems like that would be safer, AI-wise!

I really just wanted hens, we lost our drake last fall and I really don’t care to go down that road again. I guess I will just watch the AI situation and decide later on towards spring. I had a discouraging evening tonight and I am wondering if I should be ordering any at all.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I just got 10 runner ducklings delivered from metzer this week. All seen healthy so far other than two growing slower.

They shipped from Tennessee according to the tracking.

 

[lwolsin]

I just got 10 runner ducklings delivered from metzer this week. All seen healthy so far other than two growing slower.

They shipped from Tennessee according to the tracking.View attachment 4032270

They are absolutely adorable!! We are in Georgia and sales are shut down so we have to wait on our ducks. Thank you for posting them so we can enjoy

 

[Bolfreak]

Metzer has several farms and in different states. I believe the AI scenario affected one farm in CA.
I have my own thoughts about AI and other diseases…large producers don’t want to treat sick birds and by culling everything get insurance on the loss.
They can also wham-start over with a ‘new’ product they might get more traction with, like Aus Spotted Ducks…
Not to pick specifically on Metzer, I’ve gotten birds from them and have always been pleased, but they are a business with bottom lines.
Look around locally for what you want, plenty of smaller operations that are just as good and local.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I decided to do it, I ordered Runners, and KC's unfortunately I dragged my feet too long for 4/28 availability, and I had to order for 4/14 which means they will just about arrive when I have to go away for 3 days, before I ordered I talked to a fried who is an experienced bird keeper and she agreed to take them for the 3 days. I don't like doing that, but I didn't want to wait until may, I want them in with the rest before things get busy this summer.

edit this, I checked availability and I could get them for the 4/21, I couldn't before, I don't know if they had more than expected or if someone canceled a large order. I was able to place my order for then and cancel the first, I hope it's not a big issue for Metzer, it was only 6 birds, but it will be better for the birds in any case.

 

[3bird]

large producers don’t want to treat sick birds and by culling everything get insurance on the loss.

It's not up to the farm, is it? My understanding is once AI is identified on a farm, everything has to get culled.