5 week old ducklings and chicks

feathers16

Hatching
Nov 21, 2016
2
0
7
As the title suggest I have 3 black australorp chicks and 3 khaki Campbell ducklings that are 5 weeks old. Both are out growing the brooder and the bathtub. It has turned cold here in the mid south and I am wondering when they can go outside and not be compromised due to the cold. Chicks have most of their feathers and the ducks are getting theirs. I have 3 7 month old barred rock chickens and one 4 month old white maran outside and they have handled the burst of cold that we have had. I'm new to the poultry homestead and want all my girls to be happy and healthy. What should I do? I'm not in a hurry to get them out of the house but would love some feed back so I can do the right thing for them. I've never had outside pets so the cold weather has me really worried. I'm the type person who puts sweaters and coats on my two dogs in the winter when they go outside.
 
Hi :welcome

Glad you could join the flock! I know just how you feel about them going out in the cold. If your temps are very cold outdoors you could supplement them some heat when they go out. Are you weaning them off the heat in the house? I would certainly wait until they are fully feathered to totally finish with the heat. Getting them out sure can be a tough one and a lot goes on how you feel. There are some great articles here ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hatching-eggs-and-raising-chicks

Good luck and enjoy BYC :frow
 
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Thank you so much for the information and the websites to check out. Since this is my first time owning chickens and ducks I'm treating them like a first child. You know nothing really and over think everything!!! Lol!!
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Plus your suggestion of weaning off heat is a great idea. Hadn't thought that far ahead. Lol!!
 
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Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! I am so glad you joined us, I do hope you will make yourself at home here. Enjoy BYC!
 

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