Can I evict my ducklings yet?

[jennybvcr]

I know the suggested age to move outside is about 6 weeks but I’m wondering how hard and fast that suggestion is?

My little darlings will be 5 weeks this coming Monday and they have learned how to break out of their brooder. Now my guest room is one big stinky duck poop mess.

They’re partially feathered (see photos) and we’re going to have weather in the 70s-80s during the day and high 50s-low 60s at night for the next week.

I’ll suck it up and keep them inside another week if that’s what’s best but I think we’d all be happier if they had more (outdoor) space!

 

[Jpat]

Outside with a good thick bed to cuddle each other in

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do they have a secure house to cuddle in? Like Jpat said they need thick bedding and of course safety.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

What type of outdoor set up do you have for them?

 

[Vyctoria]

I usually have mine indoors until 2 weeks, then I move them to a big wooden brooder in the garage until about 5 weeks (or whenever they're mostly feathered), and then I put them in the coop. By that age and with the temps you're experiencing, they don't have to worry too much about staying warm.

 

[jennybvcr]

Outside with a good thick bed to cuddle each other in

Do they have a secure house to cuddle in? Like Jpat said they need thick bedding and of course safety.

What type of outdoor set up do you have for them?

They will have a fully enclosed run with a wooden house. They’ll also have cover on 2 sides from fence and shed.

We haven’t built the run yet but that is my plan for the weekend so... hoping to get them out once it’s completed.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I think it also depends on your current temps, but sounds like a plan! Good luck. I would have had mine out at 6 weeks if everything was ready and the temps would have cooperated. Mine went out at 7 weeks and not fully feathered. But, they are Muscovy and still losing babay feathers at 10 weeks! They have really loved being outside and not in the brooder.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Of course we reserve the right to see these little fuzzy things too We would love to see them and their new digs once you get them set up. Members are always looking for suggestions on housing etc.

 

[jennybvcr]

Of course we reserve the right to see these little fuzzy things too We would love to see them and their new digs once you get them set up. Members are always looking for suggestions on housing etc.

I will definitely post photos of them in their new home! I am having major anxiety about building their run because it is by far the biggest building project I have undertaken. If they don’t end up living in a box, there will be so much proud photographic evidence!

For the time being I wrapped their pool in chicken wire which kept them in overnight so fingers crossed that I will someday be able to reclaim my guest room from the poop!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I put welded wire around the brooder which was a pool too. It should work until your run is built.