Can my baby stay outside?

[Amorgan8688]

He’s not use to be being outside much especially at night in the cold. Will I need a light or heat lamp for
Him?

 

[Franklin81]

Mine refuse to sit under the lamp, they seem to prefer not having it. make your enclosure that he'll be in at night large enough to put the heat lamp at one end, and watch to see if he stays under it or away from it. then go from there

 

[Amorgan8688]

Well he’s 8 months old so ‍ Will he get super cold with bedding? Or would he be ok?

 

[Franklin81]

my oldest is 12 weeks at the moment, youngest are less than 10 weeks, and they have never shown any signs of being cold. if he has bedding I would imagine he'll be fine. give him a heat lamp and see what he does as far as being under it. they have enough sense to get warm if they need to. youll be surprised at how well he does in the cold.

 

[aart]

Is that the only bird you have?
Bigger problem than temps may be breaking the imprinting he has on humans by being in the house, he won't like being alone out there.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I agree with Aart. You are going to hear a very sad duck since it has imprinted and been with you for 8 months. It might not turn out well for him since he is a flock animal. Ducks are especially attached to their flock - it's important that they be with a flock and that's what you right now.
The outside set up needs to be secure as well or predators will snatch him. He really should have another duck to be housed outside with if that is what you are choosing to do. One other thing is that he hasn't had time to acclimate to the outdoor temperatures unless he's been out for hours at a time which could cause health issues at this time of the year.
If he is no longer welcome in the kitchen and you have no plans for at least 1 more duck, maybe think about finding him a home where he can be a flock animal.

 

[Amorgan8688]

Is that the only bird you have?
Bigger problem than temps may be breaking the imprinting he has on humans by being in the house, he won't like being alone out there.

I would still go out and see him and stuff...also probably
Let him in and out of the house so he can play with his kitties as well

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I would still go out and see him and stuff...also probably
Let him in and out of the house so he can play with his kitties as well

It's not the same as flock animals interact all day long and move as one - especially ducks. It's your duck though, if you think that is the best scenario for him, good luck.

 

[Amorgan8688]

I agree with Aart. You are going to hear a very sad duck since it has imprinted and been with you for 8 months. It might not turn out well for him since he is a flock animal. Ducks are especially attached to their flock - it's important that they be with a flock and that's what you right now.
The outside set up needs to be secure as well or predators will snatch him. He really should have another duck to be housed outside with if that is what you are choosing to do. One other thing is that he hasn't had time to acclimate to the outdoor temperatures unless he's been out for hours at a time which could cause health issues at this time of the year.
If he is no longer welcome in the kitchen and you have no plans for at least 1 more duck, maybe think about finding him a home where he can be a flock animal.

I plan on getting him a girlfriend once he goes outside. He has been outside several times and stays out all day until his bedtime around 11pm. I am not going to abandon him out there. He has been outside by himself several times and has loved it

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I plan on getting him a girlfriend once he goes outside. He has been outside several times and stays out all day until his bedtime around 11pm. I am not going to abandon him out there. He has been outside by himself several times and has loved it

I would start looking now. Do you have his outdoor set up built already?