Ducklings just hatched in Houston -- Newbie Questions :)

[gg61501]

Howdy Gang!

I live in Houston/Katy TX and just got a batch of pekins and rouens today. (I only ordered 6 ducklings and 3 chicks -- but they added 8 MORE for warmth! Need any?)

Anyway, this is my first time with ducklings and understand that adult ducks don't need nearly the same fussy housing that chickens need -- but what about ducklings? Now that I've got 17 cute little buggers,

that seems like a lot to keep in the garage over the winter.

So now I am wondering: since our winters here in southeast Texas are pretty mild, how soon can I put them out in their pen without nighttime heat? We have no electricity that far from the house -- but there's plenty of hay/straw and a nice little shelter that I've built to keep them dry and out of the wind.

Any folks in similar areas/circumstances? I'd love your advice!

Thanks!

 

[katharinad]

I would say 3-4 weeks as long as the nights are above 65 degrees. Some may go earlier. I kicked mine out of the house when they were 2.5 weeks old, but kept the duck house at 70 at night for another week. It also depends on how they are doing outside in the daytime. They may harden off faster with outdoor time. I do let mine out as soon as 2 weeks, but watch them closely.

 

[easttxchick]

I live just east of you, gg, and I agree with katharina.
As long as it isn't too cold outside, 3-4 weeks should be fine. Those kinds of ducks are made for the cold-the little Calls I raise over here are not quite as cold hardy so I have to be careful with them.
Congrats on your new babies and we need pics!

 

[gg61501]

Thanks, katharinad and easttxchick!

I'll get pics in soon. (Leaving work early to go check on 'em.) Wifey rolled her eyes when I told her 9 hatchlings were on the way. She was quite surprised to open the box to 17! LOL

-Randy