Am I a bad duck mommy?

[maralynn28]

My babies are 2 wks old now, gettting crowded in their brooder and really messy and stinky. I took them out for a little bit yesterday morning, it was beautiful (although not 75-80 degrees) and the babies had SUCH a good time I decided I should start letting them out during the day if it is nice enough.

Well, today is a bit colder, but I figured a short time won't hurt...now off and on little showers are sweeping through so they're getting a little wet on top of it. I went to bring the babies in but they look so happy out there running around and digging in the grass/mud...and they don't want to come in.

Is it horrible if I leave them out there even if they are getting sprinkled on and it is a little chilly? They still look happy and aren't huddling or anything... should I just watch their behavior or what?



*side note- "Vader" ate a worm so huge! I'm surprised it fit down her throat. There was also a giant slug slithering around but they just pecked at and then trampled it to death...I don't care, one less slug to spoil my garden. So much fun outside!

 

[chickboss]

LOL, they sound so cute. I would just watch them and not worry too much. I think they will let you know if they are cold. Sounds like they are having a blast. I think mine went out to play around 2-3 weeks, and the weather wasn't always perfect or very warm. I'm in Oregon. Didn't seem to bother them at all.

 

[bikergirl]

Quote:
I'm over in Edmonds and my little babies have been out every day for the last week, they will
be 3 weeks old tomorrow!

 

[maralynn28]

Yay! Thanks for the replies all...
I really want them to be out as much as possible, they LOVE it so, but was concerned with the whole 'brooder rule' and keeping them warm.
Chickboss and bikergirl, I'm so glad you said that...lol. With the changes in weather around here and if I really waited for the 'right' temp it would probably be June before I could let them out, ha ha. I think it was 54 here today, but it seemed so nice in the sun....at least until the HAIL started.

It's pouring now so I'm glad we had our outdoor time while it lasted!! Sigh, time to go to class...

 

[rainplace]

I don't know where you were in Poulsbo today, but where I was it was cold!

 

[chickboss]

Quote:
No kidding! Crazy Spring this year!

 

[maralynn28]

Quote:
We are closer to Silverdale... it WAS cold in the afternoon, crazy it was warmer earlier... can't believe it went from sunny blue skies to hail just like that. Crazy weather. Hope today is good, the duckies have been crying to go outside already plus it will give me a chance to clean out their brooder.