BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Other BackYard Poultry › Ducks › When can these ducks go outside?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

When can these ducks go outside?

post #1 of 23
6/6/08 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 

I have three ducks that are just starting to get their feathers but still have a lot of down.  They are getting really big!  At what point can they be kicked outside?

"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply

Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens

The Basics Of Raising Chickens - Raising Chickens 101
Have you ever wondered how a hen can lay an egg every day?
Raising Chickens on a Shoestring
post #2 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 

Are they the same as chickens and need to wait until they are fully feathered?  Can anyone answer?

"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
post #3 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:34pm

I think ducks can handle colder temperatures better than chickens, so you can probably put them outside with a light in case they get too cold.

Reply
Reply
post #4 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:35pm

It depends how cold it is. Mine have always been fine outside after the first few weeks. They have really heavy down and don't need the heat as much as chicks. If you aren't getting real cold at night they should be able to go out at about 3 weeks smile

Reply
Reply
post #5 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:37pm
Thread Starter 

I think that the temps at night here have been down in the 40's.  I don't know how cold that is compared to everyone else's cold, but it's actually pretty warm for a night time temp here.  These ducklings are about 6 or 7 weeks old.

"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
post #6 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:39pm

I had my 7 week old chickens outside and the temp dipped down to 25 two nights in a row and they were fine. They had a light for heat.

Reply
Reply
post #7 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:48pm

I've always kicked my ducks out sooner than chicks.  They don't need as much heat or heat for as long as chicks do.  If you put them out with a light I'm sure they'll be fine.  Ducks are much hardier than chickens.....even my call ducks which in the duck world are probably the least hardy duck.

I'm a Farmer/Rancher  Wife,Mom & Grandma  No Farms, No food. 
If you want house chickens and ducks in diapers then this is the forum for you.
I've got 50+ years of poultry experience, but this 'poultry' forum isn't for me anymore.
If you're going to complain about farmers, don't do it with a full belly or a mouthful.
Reply
I'm a Farmer/Rancher  Wife,Mom & Grandma  No Farms, No food. 
If you want house chickens and ducks in diapers then this is the forum for you.
I've got 50+ years of poultry experience, but this 'poultry' forum isn't for me anymore.
If you're going to complain about farmers, don't do it with a full belly or a mouthful.
Reply
post #8 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:49pm
Thread Starter 

Ok I guess that means I better get to work and get a shelter built for these guys.  Thanks for the info.  Their days of living in my garage are numbered.

"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
post #9 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:52pm

I guess I didn't answer your feathering question......I've never waited till they were fully feathered.

I'm a Farmer/Rancher  Wife,Mom & Grandma  No Farms, No food. 
If you want house chickens and ducks in diapers then this is the forum for you.
I've got 50+ years of poultry experience, but this 'poultry' forum isn't for me anymore.
If you're going to complain about farmers, don't do it with a full belly or a mouthful.
Reply
I'm a Farmer/Rancher  Wife,Mom & Grandma  No Farms, No food. 
If you want house chickens and ducks in diapers then this is the forum for you.
I've got 50+ years of poultry experience, but this 'poultry' forum isn't for me anymore.
If you're going to complain about farmers, don't do it with a full belly or a mouthful.
Reply
post #10 of 23
6/6/08 at 5:53pm
Thread Starter 

A related question:

Do they need a full fledged coop?  What kind of shelter will suffice?

"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
"Live like you ain't afraid to die, and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride."
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Ducks

Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens

The Basics Of Raising Chickens - Raising Chickens 101
Have you ever wondered how a hen can lay an egg every day?
Raising Chickens on a Shoestring
BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Other BackYard Poultry › Ducks › When can these ducks go outside?