I am sorry that this situation has happened and I just pray that the ducks make it. I just felt since you have more experience with animals than they do that they would be a lot safer with you than with the children or Dad that seems to know nothing about them. Ten more days is a long time if...
If it has been done 4 times already these children are not responsible to be caring for live creatures. They might do something else next that is not good for them. They are not toys! I'm sorry but this is so sad and I hate it when people give live animals to teach children responsibilities...