Fast 3-5 Day Deliveries On All Ducklings
NPIP Certified Hatchery From Lancaster, Pa
Save Up To 40% Or More On Bulk Orders
Our Duck Delivery Process
At Shirlock Acres, we specialize in shipping live ducklings with the utmost care, ensuring they arrive safely at their new homes. Our poultry shipping experience allows us to continually refine our process, prioritizing the well-being of each duckling.
Our Shipping Zones
Shipping prices depend on what state you’re in. We have five shipping zones. To find the shipping cost for your zone, enter your address at checkout, and it will be calculated automatically!
How We Ship Ducks
We ship to all the lower 48 states, Alaska, and the US Virgin Islands using USPS Priority Mail. For larger shipments (200+ ducklings), we use Delta Cargo, which provides same-day delivery. Our priority is to minimize transit time and maximize the survival rate of our birds.
Our Shipping Boxes
Our specially designed shipping boxes ensure adequate ventilation, insulation, and
protection. They include:
When We Ship
To optimize delivery times and ensure minimal transit stress, we hatch and ship our ducklings on a Monday schedule:
Preparing Ducklings for Shipment
Health Checks
Each duckling is hand-sorted on hatch day to ensure only the healthiest and strongest birds are shipped. We prioritize sending freshly hatched, alert, and active ducklings to give them the best start.
Timing for Optimal Health
Ducklings ship best when they are 0-2 days old, as they can still rely on yolk sac nutrition. This natural adaptation ensures they stay nourished during transit.
Tracking & Notifications
Once an order is placed, customers receive an order confirmation email with their expected shipping date. When the ducklings are shipped:
What to Do When Your Ducklings Arrive
Pickup Instructions
Ducklings must be picked up from the post office as soon as they arrive. Upon pickup, Customers should:
- Inspect the ducklings immediately to ensure all arrived safely. Read our refund policy for issues with ducklings after delivery.
- Transport them home quickly in a warm and quiet environment.
Immediate Care Checklist
- Preheat the brooder – Ambient temperature should be 85-90°F.
- Provide warm water with electrolytes – Dip each duckling’s bill to help them start drinking.
- Ensure access to starter feed – Use non-medicated waterfowl starter crumbles.
- Monitor behavior – Ducklings should be alert and active within a few hours.
Weather & Shipping Adjustments
We prioritize the safety of our ducklings, adjusting our shipping process according to the weather:
- Winter Shipments – Heat packs and extra insulation are added.
- Summer Shipments – Extra ventilation is ensured.
- Extreme Weather Conditions – We may reschedule shipments if necessary and will notify customers accordingly.
Why Choose Shirlock Acres?
Live Arrival Guarantee
We stand by the quality of our ducklings with a live arrival guarantee:
- If any ducklings arrive dead or do not survive within 24 hours, we will issue a
refund or send replacements. - Customers must provide a photo of the affected birds within 24 hours of
arrival.
Committed to Animal Welfare
We only ship when it is safe and take every precaution to ensure healthy deliveries:
- NPIP-certified hatchery
- Carefully sorted, strong ducklings only
- GroGel provided for hydration
- Heat packs are used in the winter months
- Well-ventilated and padded shipping packages
Experienced & Reliable
When you order from Shirlock Acres, you’re working with knowledgeable breeders who are ready to answer questions and provide dependable support.
- 18+ years of experience hatching Muscovy ducks
- 10+ years of expertise in poultry shipping
- A trusted, family-run business dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction