Is there a way to send a mass survey out to ipads?

Self Service?

How about deploying a Web Clip containing the URL of the survey to the devices?

I have done this in the past many times. Google Form was created and it's URL was sent as a web clip to Self Service and the desktop. Worked great.

How will they know its in self service? Is there a way to shoot it out like you do when you lock the ipad when its lost?

Send a WebClip Configuration Profile automatically to the iPads (rather than adding it
to Self Service)

I agree with Sandy's response. Adding to Self Service is redundant but I like to have all bases covered. SS should display the usual notification red dot on the icon when a new item is added.