Are they ready to go outside yet?

[nettlesandrose]

These ducks are 8 weeks old. Two pekins and a Swedish. They just got out of the bath in this photo.

I live in Denver, CO.

Our spring is hectic. We see lows at night in the 30-50 with daytime temps in the 50-80 right now.

Can they go outside yet? I know I need to acclimate them, but I want to time it correctly

 

[BelovedBirds]

These ducks are 8 weeks old. Two pekins and a Swedish. They just got out of the bath in this photo.

I live in Denver, CO.

Our spring is hectic. We see lows at night in the 30-50 with daytime temps in the 50-80 right now.

Can they go outside yet? I know I need to acclimate them, but I want to time it correctly

They're very wet! Mine were fully waterproof by this age, how often do you bath them? What temperature is the water now? Do you use soap?
I definitely wouldn't put them out until they're waterproofed, if they're going to have access to water, as they could become very cold.

 

[nettlesandrose]

They're very wet! Mine were fully waterproof by this age, how often do you bath them? What temperature is the water now? Do you use soap?
I definitely wouldn't put them out until they're waterproofed, if they're going to have access to water, as they could become very cold.

They were just playing in my bathtub… I do not “bathe” them with soap. They were in the tub for longer than I planned as I hit a snag cleaning out their play yard.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How long does it take for them to dry once they are out of the bath and preening? do you take them outside at all? Nice warm days 60's and up they can spend time outside so they acclimate to the temps.

 

[BelovedBirds]

They were just playing in my bathtub… I do not “bathe” them with soap. They were in the tub for longer than I planned as I hit a snag cleaning out their play yard.

okay good, I only ask because there is a type of soap that some people use, to actually bathe them, which removes the waterproofing oils- not great for them- just figured it was worth checking that wasn't the case!

 

[nettlesandrose]

How long does it take for them to dry once they are out of the bath and preening? do you take them outside at all? Nice warm days 60's and up they can spend time outside so they acclimate to the temps.

They dry out within 10 minutes or so.

We’ve been outside a few times. I am preparing a more Predator proof playpen so we can acclimate for longer period of time.

 

[Miss Lydia]

At 8 weeks they are fully feathered they just don't look as waterproof as they should at that age. Maybe more bath time and preening will do the job.
What are you feeding them?

 

[nettlesandrose]

At 8 weeks they are fully feathered they just don't look as waterproof as they should at that age. Maybe more bath time and preening will do the job.
What are you feeding them?

I’m realizing the Pekins are closer to 7 weeks. I feed them Manna Pro Game Bird with some extra Brewers Yeast.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you can get them out some when temps allow they should be ready for the out doors once you get their playpen predator-proof. Will they have a house to keep them out of the weather?

 

[nettlesandrose]

If you can get them out some when temps allow they should be ready for the out doors once you get their playpen predator-proof. Will they have a house to keep them out of the weather?

Yes I have a very posh dog house that I’ve improved for Ducks. Their enclosure will also be partially covered until we get out of spring snow season