Brooding outdoors?

[lonicera23]

I'm curious about alternative methods to brooding ducklings - outdoors. I currently have a week old flock of khaki campbells in my kitchen under a space heater at night/ 100 w. bulb during the day. But I want them OUT, as they are spraying their food and water everywhere, of course....

Although it's May, most nights are still in the 40's where I live in the New England. I'm very nervous about the typical heat lamp, although I've done this before with another flock - I've heard too many fire horror stories. (Including some friends who recently burnt down a chicken coop, occupants and all.) I'm also uncomfortable with exposing them to any kind of light 24 hours a day, tinted or not.

I don't think our tiny space heater will do the trick out in the barn, and I'm not about to invest in "eco-brooders," etc., since this is not going to be anywhere near a yearly event.

Any tips/suggestions from other folks?

 

[Amiga]

Due to a number of circumstances, I had my runners in the house brooder for three months.

I agree with your concerns. And it's too cold for them to be out without heat.

I used a couple of puppy pens with old sheets hung across them to catch the flung material.