First night outside

[schwehmybear]

We have a very large chicken coop at our place that will become the ducks new home(The last owners had chickens), and since they were outgrowing the brooder, set it up to make sure that it was duck safe. They are only three weeks! I wanted to wait one more week, but my husband has been at his wits end with the smell and whatnot.

So we checked to make sure there were no holes that predaters could squeeze through, like weasle size.

And we put the heat lamp out there, and shavings that they could cuddle into.

The main part of the coop is a 6' by 4' area, with a ramp that leads up to a roost. (We took the ramp down, didn't want them to explore or fall.) And a little doorway that leads to a 15' by 10' running space.

I was already anxious, but then my husband said it had gotten down to fourty five degrees last night!!!

I ran out to check on them, and they seemed to be just fine. none felt cold, none were shivering, they will wander over to their food and water and peep happily. They havent seemed to explore to the large run area. They run when burton (Our alaskan malamute) comes to watch them. but then he says his head on a log and contently wags his tail and thy go back to normal. I am watching burton very closely to see if he can get in. He is a monster of a dog, and if anyhing could get in, he could. But he doesnt seem to be able to.

 

[jolenesdad]

My 3 week old ducklings didn't want their heat anymore out in our garage. We're in TX and it's been warm, but still, I assume with the heat lamp yours are good to go, and they already have so many of their feathers I assume.

Make sure nothing can dig under your coop or your big dog can't tip it over....