What's up with duck shipping costs?

[redsoxs]

Hey all...can anyone explain why it is such a gouge to order less than 10 or 15 ducks. I am new to the idea of ducks, want to give it a try, but don't feel like shelling out the extra $40 just to order less than the minimum. The two hatcheries I've looked at, Meyer and McMurray, both require $40 for ordering only a few ducks. I don't know of anyone in my area that I can go in with to max out the order and $40 being $40, just don't feeling like giving that money away. I know they take extra care and handling to be shipped - something about hot packs (even in this heat?), but still. Anyone else feel this way or am I just a whiny baby?

 

[alexarae]

i know how you feel. i could only order four ducklings and the shipping was 30 dollars! i think that it is easier to keep the ducklings warm when they are in larger numbers. i guess it is a bigger risk to send a small amount. i recieved mine yesterday and one was sick and died. the other three are just fine though. i got mine from efowl.com there prices are not too bad

 

[featherfinder]

I agree. I only wanted 4 ducks and i was looking at metzers. They were the cheapest i found for good quality. Luckly the day before i went to order some runner ducklings poped up on craigslist.

 

[Kevin565]

You should defiantly try craigslist. You should also call some local feed stores. Some of them have ducks and ducklings. If you really up for a challenge you could try incubating eggs.

 

[austin12895]

Hi i just ordered eggs from this site and saw that they offer "small orders" for a 12 dollar fee if you are interested

http://southernfarmhatchery.com/Small-Orders.php

 

[yoie]

Take a look at Ideal poultry. You only need to have an order of $25 or more. I ordered 4 ducklings (all girls) for a total cost of $34.00 that is with the shipping included!
Here are three of them now!

 

[redsoxs]

Hey thanks, Yoie! I just checked out Ideal Poultry - I think I can make that work!

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

have you considered if they are changing the shipping method from Priority to Express to get them out quicker due to the small order count. And yes the heat pack, even now it gets too cold at night to ship day old anythings and could cause a loss.
If it is Express and heat packs added, it's worth it. If not, then yes they are just trying to deter small orders, most dont offer it anyway.

I ship all my chick orders Express regardless just for a better arrival condition for the customer. average 25 chick cost is $40 a box on shipping.
Dont feel too bad, I just paid $450 for 3 boxes of adult call ducks (THAT'S JUST THE SHIPPING MIND YOU)...makes $30-$40 not sound that bad dont it...LOL

 

[SassyKat6181]

Just a heads up on Ideal (as I ordered from them this spring) Pay the extra insurance or they will send you roos. I was sent 4 with my 10 ducks and wish I had known. The ducks did arrive healthy and all made it. They are about 4 mos old now.

 

[Wifezilla]

It's just as much of a pain to put 4 ducks in a box as it is 15. If someone is paying for 15, the price/cost/time charges on that order are spread out over the cost of each duck so to speak. You only order a few ducks, without those extra charges, they could be working for free.