What do I do with my ducks on vacation

[Haileylovesdogs]

In about a week from today I am getting two female Muscovy ducklings, I know that I will be going away for Labor Day and can not take them with me. We have a small pen outside for them, but they usually sleep inside the house at night. I could have someone come check in on them, but I don't know anyone who knows much about ducks.
If anyone has any past experience with leaving ducks on vacation or any feedback, I'd appreciate it Thank you!

 

[Hybridchucks]

Welcome! @drumstick diva ??

 

[Haileylovesdogs]

Thank you!

 

[Sundevill11]

Everyone's situation is different. I would suggest that whomever you have refill their food and replace their water (if you have a tub or tank for them) that you instruct the person to NOT let them out to roam. Someone who isn't familiar with ducks would have a difficult time corralling them when it would be time for them to be put up. Furthermore, someone who doesn't have their head on a swivel could potentially provide an opportunity for a predator to attack them. We've learned not to take this risk and found that its much easier to have them just clean the pen or coop (with the ducks in it) and check the overall wellbeing of the ducks. If the ducks are used to staying in the house at night then what is your backup plan? Is there no structure outside that can accommodate them?

If the outside pen is all you have and I'm assuming the pen is not totally predator-proof then this is what I would do:

Give the person who is going to watch the ducks your garage door opener. Buy a cheap kiddie pool, large tarp, and a plastic octagon (used for babies, dogs, etc,) Line the octagon with hay to soak up the poop. Typically, these octagons have a little door on them. Leave the door open so the ducks can access the pool. They will make a mess but its the garage and can be hosed out. This is not an ideal situation but under the circumstances I don't know what else to suggest.