Advice for moving fall ducklings outside

[jaswashburn]

Hi Everyone,
Please excuse this post that is somewhat similar to other threads, but I haven’t exactly found the info I’m looking for. My ducklings are 6 weeks old and mostly feathered with small patches of down. They’ve been spending time outside during the day when it was above 50f (the last few days they went out at 45), but it’s getting colder and I’d like to move them outside each morning and bring them in at night. Predicted temps in the morning when I leave are 37f, increasing to 45f within an hour, and highs in the upper 60s. They’re unhappy indoors. They have a predator-proof coup and run. What do you all think?

 

[KaleIAm]

Personally I would put them outside at the cooler temps and observe their behavior. If they are huddled they might be cold. If they are running around doing duck stuff they are probably fine.

I would also make sure they can easily get into their dry coop that has plenty of dry bedding.

 

[Yardmom]

6 week old ducklings are pretty hardy to cooler temperatures. They should have no problem with staying outside with temperatures above freezing.

 

[igorsMistress]

We had similar temps wh n my ducklings were itty bitty and they quit using the heat plate at night all on their own. You could always give them a warmer spot at night but at this age I doubt they’ll use it. Ducks don’t seem to mind the cold, mine were swimming every morning after I broke the ice on their pool.

 

[jaswashburn]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I put them out this morning at 38 and they’re doing great