Duckling Outside Adventures

[nigella]

We are going to get our first ducklings in the middle of March and a lot of what I've read has talked about the benefits of getting them outside for exercise and sunshine. I want to give them the best start possible, but it can still be dang cold here in March and April.

What are the lowest temps for little ones to go outside? Would it be appropriate to take them out for little excursions then back in the brooder? Is it obvious when they're cold?

Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's obvious when they are cold they will lay down and huddle together. On nice warm sunny days when temps are in the 60's and no wind they would probably love to be outside for 15 mins at a time. My Muscovy's take their lil ones out when it's in the 50's.
Just watch to see how they react if cold scoop them up and take them back inside.

What breed are you getting?

 

[Cklass90]

I think this post might be old but I'm trying to figure out the same thing. They (2) are in a very small chicken coop in my (unheated) garage right now and is keeping high 60s-70s and they seem happy with that (2 weeks old at least). The coop is moveable and has an attachable small run with a ramp. What temp would you move it outside (it can be outside and still have the heatlamp) and at what temp would you lower the ramp and allow them to choose whether to go out into the run or not. Obviously this would let more air into the coop and drop the temp. Sorry I'm new to this and fed up with this cold weather I think they would benefit from some fresh air but I don't want to freeze them!

 

[Miss Lydia]

60-70 is pretty cold for 2 week old ducklings they can chill.at 2 weeks they should be at least 80 in their brooder. That is with out wind. How are your duckling acting in those temps.?

What are your outside temps?

 

[Cklass90]

Sorry I looked again it's high 70s to 80s. They move away from the heat lamp and into their shallow pool often sitting in there. They sleep huddled but move around in the coop. Outside temps are 40s. I realise as I write this how dumb it is to even think of putting them out. It's warm in the sun. I don't know exactly how old they are is part of my issue

 

[Miss Lydia]

Maybe post some pics and we can help.
Usually you can tell when ducklings are cold they get lethargic and if not warmed up will die.

I'd give them more time to grow in their feathers before putting them outside unless you can give them a heat lamp so they have warmth.

 

[Cklass90]

Here are some pictures. I put the paint tray in the nesting box area and then they have the other area with a heat lamp and food. They move regularly between the 2. No wind whatsoever as I currently have the coop in a corner of my garage. The heat lamp is on all the time

 

[Miss Lydia]

They sure are adorable and look very healthy. They look awfully comfy so temps must be good.

What breed? thought at first Pekin but I see a faint eye stripe.WH?
They look to be between 2-3 weeks old

 

[Cklass90]

Well I don't know the breed either! We got them at Cal ranch and they had black runners which is obviously not these, buff orpington and pekin but they seem to have too much brown with the yellow to be Pekin?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have Buffs and don't think mine had the lil eye stripe. It will be interesting to see these as they grow. Keep the pics coming.

Buff ducklings so maybe yours are[ not my pic took it off internet]