Heat and ducklings

[loves2smile65]

I will become a new duck mum next Tuesday and I have concerns about the heat we experience here in CA. I plan to brood my three ducklings in the house for the first two weeks and then had planned to move them to the garage for another 3-4 weeks. Lately it has been in the 90's and my garage temperature reached 99 degrees. Besides providing plenty of water and space, is there anything else I should be concerned about and can they handle that type of heat? Can I place a fan on them?

Becoming a first time duck owner is a little nerve racking but I have learned so much form all of you wonderful duck owners and I wanted you to know it is appreciated!!

 

[Amiga]

Welcome to the Duck Forum!

Yes, it is nerve wracking, with a steep learning curve. And it is so rewarding! We have had our runners for over four years and I am still in love.

That temperature sounds way too hot for the little ones. The rule of thumb is 90F the first week, dropping 5 degrees a week till the brooder is about the same as the rest of their world. These guidelines are for those of us who live in cooler places, clearly.

At the same time, we have seen duckling deaths due to heat (it can happen - a malfunction of the heater or thermometer, inexperience, etc.).

How well ventilated is the garage?

Do you have other options? By the way, how are you going to manage their water? Getting the water management handled is really important to your enjoyment and their well-being.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/641902/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679433/water-water-everywhere/10

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/858161/feed-water-solution-for-brooder#post_12901321

http://frankiemakes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/watering-solution-for-ducks.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/259876/do-your-ducks-have-water-at-night/10#post_13568197

 

[loves2smile65]

Thanks for your reply! I can leave the side door open but it really doesn't cook down until 8 pm. What do you think about a fan? My only other option would be to keep them in the house but they may be super stinky by then? I won't have the pen completed for a few weeks and it will still be hot outside as well and worry about predators even though it will be a closed in pen

 

[Amiga]

I brooded eleven runners in the house for three months and had no odor problems. It can be done

 

[loves2smile65]

Thanks! I have decided to brood them in the house until they are 6-8 weeks old .