Duckling Outside When?

[GirlsMommy18]

I have a wild muscovy duckling I rescued, when can it go outside at night? It's about 4(ish) weeks. I have a heatless brooder outside, and the night temps get down to about 76F at the lowest right now.

 

[AlleysChicks]

It’s by itself? It needs friends, they do better. I had mine out overnight by that time but my temps were higher.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Hopefully some others can chime in here, but we didn't put ours out full time until they were feathered. They got out for supervised play as babies, and could stay out in the pen during the day for an hour or two when they started to develop feathers, but we didn't leave them full time until feathered. They were put up at night in a coop even as adults. Just my personal preference. I also highly agree with friends for the duckling- they get lonely. They're always so close to their mom and siblings- having companions helps them stay happy (and have snuggle buddies when temps drop)

 

[NoahSully]

I have a wild muscovy duckling I rescued, when can it go outside at night? It's about 4(ish) weeks. I have a heatless brooder outside, and the night temps get down to about 76F at the lowest right now.

I had mine outside during the day all day when they were 3 weeks old but I locked them up at night. I put them out in the yard when they were about 4 weeks old maybe 4.5

The low got to about 68 degrees Fahrenheit

 

[GirlsMommy18]

It’s by itself? It needs friends, they do better. I had mine out overnight by that time but my temps were higher.

It was the only injured duckling in the family after a car hit it and a sibling(dead). He's doing much better daily, I'm hoping my chickens will be decent company when it's a bit bigger. I definitely didn't intend to have a duckling, much less an alone one. Just doing the best with the hand I got dealt.

 

[NoahSully]

It was the only injured duckling in the family after a car hit it and a sibling(dead). He's doing much better daily, I'm hoping my chickens will be decent company when it's a bit bigger. I definitely didn't intend to have a duckling, much less an alone one. Just doing the best with the hand I got dealt.

I'd get another duck if you can

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Best of luck with this little sweetie

 

[GirlsMommy18]

Definitely can not get another duck.

Thanks HomesteaderWife!

 

[NoahSully]

Definitely can not get another duck.

Good luck, at least he has some other birds to chill with

 

[Rysktal]

That sucks he got hit by a car!! Do you live where there are wild muscovy?

Are you planning on keeping him? I think a drake among chickens can be tricky as he could really hurt hens if he tries to mount them. Let's hope your duck is female ♡

I had two chicks who lived with my ducks for a little bit as they needed companionship. It worked out for a little bit!

Not sure when he can start living outside overnight. My muscovy have always been outside but I had such a variety of ages, the older ones watched over the younger ones and kept them warm.

Heal well little guy!!