Too early to put ducklings outside?

Date sort Score sort
5winchestermule

5winchestermule

In the Brooder
Feb 29, 2016
12
4
37
Far southwestern Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains
I am new to raising ducks as newly born little ones. I have them in an extra bathroom with a large feeder dish for their water. They are Pekin ducks and are growing out of this space. I have 11. We have built them their own duck house and yard until they are a little older and can go free range with the chickens. They are exactly three weeks old. I would like to get them outside today. It is going to be in the 50s with sun and clouds, but in the 70s tomorrow. I will have a heat lamp for them. I have to weigh their current living arrangements and their health by not having the space they need vs them being outside a little early. Their feathers are coming in. If I ever raise ducks again, it will be during the summer and not at the end of our winter. Thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
 
5winchestermule said:
I am new to raising ducks as newly born little ones. I have them in an extra bathroom with a large feeder dish for their water. They are Pekin ducks and are growing out of this space. I have 11. We have built them their own duck house and yard until they are a little older and can go free range with the chickens. They are exactly three weeks old. I would like to get them outside today. It is going to be in the 50s with sun and clouds, but in the 70s tomorrow. I will have a heat lamp for them. I have to weigh their current living arrangements and their health by not having the space they need vs them being outside a little early. Their feathers are coming in. If I ever raise ducks again, it will be during the summer and not at the end of our winter. Thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
I'd def offer heat but be very careful heat lamps have caused many a fire. Give them full access to their house so they can get out of the heat or cold and they should be fine. I think I'd not give them swimming water just yet though out side. At your temps.
 
Last edited:
Its not to early to let them loose. Though my ducklings are two weeks and three weeks old we have a goose that took them in
 
My one and two week old chickens are outside. I always do it like this. I keep them in a brooder for a week or two after being hatched, then they go outside. I make a big cardboard box with a door in the front and a circle cut out in the top. Put a brooder light over the box. Have food and water in the box in small feeders and outside in big feeders. They go in and out as they please. When they start roosting like big chickens I pull the box. You could do the same for ducks.
 
I put my 6 ducklings out with no heat at 3 weeks. They handled mid 40's like a champ. Keep in mind this was with very little chance of rain and they had shelter with dry nesting areas... but they were troopers.

I came out a few mornings and they were happy and playing in the small pond @ low 50's.

I am new to ducks and was pretty surprised how much heat they gave off when all huddled together. You'll be fine.
 
I'd give you the green light as well, as long as it isn't raining
2614.png

1. Keep it dry
2. Keep it warm
3. Keep it clean

My ducks have gone out at 3-4 weeks, which I'm sure to some on here is probably cringe worthy, but I haven't had an issue and I've had happier ducklings that way.
 

Similar threads

P
    • Love
Are they ready for the outdoors ?
Replies
6
Views
194
Miss Lydia
Miss Lydia
D
    • Like
Bringing Ducklings to Work?
2
Replies
19
Views
825
Luv Ducks
L
S
    • Like
    • Love
Ducklings and sunlight
2
Replies
19
Views
989
Miss Lydia
Miss Lydia
OneEggToRuleThemAll
    • Like
Are my 5-week old runner ducks feathered enough to join their older sisters outside (and what's the best way to get them used to each other)?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Luv Ducks
L
J
    • Love
    • Like
Duck nutrition and habitat questions
2
Replies
12
Views
351
Miss Lydia
Miss Lydia

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom