Tomorrow I will be taking my (3) ducklings home. It is about an hour drive. How should I transport them? They will be three days old.
Rubbermaid box lines with a cotton towel so they wont slide around. They can go one hour without food or water.
I always use a dog/cat kennel/carrier with a towel or shavings in it. Good air flow so they won't get stuffed up in the heat of a closed up box, or have to worry about escapees in an open top box. I ride with them in the passanger seat if I can fit the cage in (depends on size of ducks of course in my case) and talk to them on the ride. congrats on new ducklings! Must share pics when you get them!
They are only 3 days old, which means they can squeeze out of a pet carrier. I had that happening, thought the one duckling would not fit, but no not a problem at all. Slipped right through. Had to search the entire shop to find the little sucker. So a deep plastic tub, no lid need, on the floor of the passenger side should be fine.
Any old container with decent ventilation. A cardboard box works fine--just punch holes in it. Best for the container to be small so there's less room for them to slide around and they stay warmer that way too. You can also just use a box with an open top, if there's someone to hold the box and keep an eye on them, then no need to punch holes in it. Most important: Line the bottom of the box with something non-slippery like straw, wood shavings, old towel, etc. DO NOT use newspaper in the bottom or leave them on a bare floor. Sliding around can cause permanent damage to their little legs. Other than that, they're pretty easy to transport. Enjoy!!!
When I got my ducklings the store gave me a cardboard box to put them in but nothing in the bottom and no vent holes but I did pop the top open to keep peeking in on them if the sides are to low they can hop out but if you have a tall box they will be fine.
Thanks guys! I ended up taking them home in a basket w/ straw in it on my lap, though they weren't in it most of the time! My favorite little guy, Peanut, spent most of the ride sleeping on my shoulder! The other two alternated from the edge of the basket to in my hand, to fighting Peanut for the spot on my shoulder! They didn't mind the ride at all, and are now flourishing in a pen upstairs-thanks for the advise!
I have a Peanut too. My little crested runner is Peanut. Congrats on your new duckies! We are waiting for pics.
