HEAT FOR DUCKLINGS

[brood mother]

What are the heat requirements for ducklings? They are not a week old yet and I have a 250 watt heat bulb on one corner of broader now, if they need to get away from it. Just nee to know I that's too much, or when I should lower it, take out etc.

 

[MIster Ducker]

For me, i keep a regular light bulb you would find anywhere and keep it close to the brooder. At about a week old they join my big Muscovy and sleep in the coop, so they are not in there for long.

 

[Amiga]

Best thing I know of is a thermometer (not the mercury kind, but the little round gauge kind) right there in the brooder.

Rule of thumb is 90˚F the first week, dropping 5˚ a week till the brooder is the same as the rest of their world.

 

[Ren2014]

What are the heat requirements for ducklings? They are not a week old yet and I have a 250 watt heat bulb on one corner of broader now, if they need to get away from it. Just nee to know I that's too much, or when I should lower it, take out etc.

It is suggested 90 degrees their first week and decrease by 5 each week. However, I base it on their behavior. Huddled or climbing on each other increase the heat by lowering the lamp. If they stay away from the heat source reduce it by raising the lamp. Be sure to protect them from drafts.

 

[brood mother]

Well, ok, mine do a little of both. So I'm guessing they are ok. Gonna have to find a way to raise my light.

About what age can they go out into a coop? They are so tiny and no I haven't got a coop yet. Just wondering so I can be making plans.

 

[Ren2014]

Well, ok, mine do a little of both. So I'm guessing they are ok. Gonna have to find a way to raise my light.

About what age can they go out into a coop? They are so tiny and no I haven't got a coop yet. Just wondering so I can be making plans.

I would keep them in the brooder for at least 4-6 weeks. Ducks grow FAST so I would get a coop quick

Some folks brood outside. Wean them off the heat lamp once you put them outside. They should be fully feathered and fine with out it at 8 wks.

 

[MIster Ducker]

I would keep them in the brooder for at least 4-6 weeks. Ducks grow FAST so I would get a coop quick

Some folks brood outside. Wean them off the heat lamp once you put them outside. They should be fully feathered and fine with out it at 8 wks.

Haha i put mine out a week later. We got some different times