What online hatchery did you buy your ducklings from?

[Texag87]

I just went on their website to check them out. What’s the difference (other than the appearance) of crested ducks?

Crested have a genetic defect. They may look pretty but the hens can get their skulls ripped open during mating.

 

[IsabellaMarilyn]

Crested have a genetic defect. They may look pretty but the hens can get their skulls ripped open during mating.

That’s horrible

 

[Cayuga momma]

The first time I got ducks was from Cacklehatchery. It didn't turn out well. I then ordered from mypetchicken. That went great. I'm giving Cackle another go in April, because I want different stock. I think getting through the mail depends alot on weather and temps too. I also order small. Cackle this time I ordered 5. Mypetchicken last year I order 2. Mypetchicken small order fee was a bit pricier than Cackle.

 

[quackiemama]

I had a good experience with Murray McMurray but I don't know if they ship to you or not

 

[CrystaBub]

The first time I got ducks was from Cacklehatchery. It didn't turn out well. I then ordered from mypetchicken. That went great. I'm giving Cackle another go in April, because I want different stock. I think getting through the mail depends alot on weather and temps too. I also order small. Cackle this time I ordered 5. Mypetchicken last year I order 2. Mypetchicken small order fee was a bit pricier than Cackle.

Uh oh - what happened with Cackle??? That's where I ordered by SA and WH from this year...

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

That’s horrible

Crested have a genetic defect. They may look pretty but the hens can get their skulls ripped open during mating.

Thanks texag87. I now am worried about my little crested and George killing her. I didn't want crested but here she is and has tons of personality.

 

[Cayuga momma]

Uh oh - what happened with Cackle??? That's where I ordered by SA and WH from this year...

In March 2018, I ordered 3 leghorn chicks and 3 cayuga ducks. They all died within the first hour of getting them home (except one leghorn). When I called them they admitted that they had alot of others with their birds dying. They refunded me for all of them, even though one survived. It was very heartbreaking for us. Especially my son. I ordered from mypetchicken and they all arrived healthy and I didn't lose any.
I'm hoping they have gotten things straightened out since then. I did leave them a good review on BBB.

 

[CrystaBub]

In March 2018, I ordered 3 leghorn chicks and 3 cayuga ducks. They all died within the first hour of getting them home (except one leghorn). When I called them they admitted that they had alot of others with their birds dying. They refunded me for all of them, even though one survived. It was very heartbreaking for us. Especially my son. I ordered from mypetchicken and they all arrived healthy and I didn't lose any.
I'm hoping they have gotten things straightened out since then. I did leave them a good review on BBB.

OH that's heartbreaking I"m so sorry... I guess you never found out from them why so many died?

 

[Cayuga momma]

OH that's heartbreaking I"m so sorry... I guess you never found out from them why so many died?

They said they believed it was a disease, but they didn't know what disease it was at the time.
As soon as I got them I dipped they beaks in Save-A-chick water. 2 had pasty butt and we cleaned them up. We put them in the brooder and they seems fine. 30 min later they started laying down and dying.
My brooder set up was the same for the mypetchicken ones, so I guess the poor littles guys didn't have a chance.

The chick that survived slept in my husband and I hoodies after that. She became completely spoiled. You might have seen her in the funny story contest.

 

[CrystaBub]

Gosh I'm so so sorry - thanks for sharing the info though Erin!