Heat Lamp

[dtoddskiles]

So we moved the 4week mallards outside. We ran the heat lamp out to the new hutch to be careful. Now the night temps are around the mid-50s. Do we still need the lamp? This is our first hatching of ducklings.

I read on another thread "until normal night time lows" but Virginia nights are cooler than Alabama nights but warmer than New Hampshire. I was kind of looking for a temperature number.

I fee like I have a spotlight on them that says "Eat At Joes" to local predators.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If the light broadcasts "Eat at Joes" then maybe the housing isn't predator proof.

Ducks are probably good with those temps.

ETA

I use ceramic heat emitters rather than infrared heat lamps to provide a dark period.

 

[dtoddskiles]

The hutch has 1cm wire grid. We had a rabbit enclosure that we put around it so they can run around while we're outside, and it provides a second perimeter around the hutch. So while no enclosure is predator proof, it's keeping the fox, owls and others away. They are locked inside at night and we supervise while they swim.

They're halfway feathered with adult feathers. We'll try taking the light out tonight and watch what happens before we go to bed.

Thx

 

[LadyIsadora]

LOL! "Eat at Joes"!!!!

I moved my ducklings outside much earlier than 4 weeks. Sort of. They are in a dog kennel that has been boarded, roofed & covered in plastic, and has a dog house, so pretty cozy for ducks, but it was still getting pretty darn cold at night. Many mornings there was ice on the outside water bowls. anyway, I gave them a lamp or two, but by 4 weeks old they were never under it anymore. Not that I saw at least.
They did, and still do cuddle up in the dog house together. not bad for two ducks but with 13 they come out covered in poop every morning. I let them out and they head right for their pool to clean up. Numbers matter, more ducks cuddling make more heat. Good luck! The first week of them being outside was a killer for me. I worried so bad. I never wanted a game camera so much in my life! I got through it.& so did they ;-)

 

[localife]

I fee like I have a spotlight on them that says "Eat At Joes" to local predators.

That's hilarious -- but actually, in my own experience, light tends to reduce predator pressure, at least where I'm at out in the boonies where dark means REALLY dark. Since the predators can see perfectly well in the dark, and depend on it for concealment, I suspect they prefer darkness if they can get it. So I intentionally keep a light on my birds when they are ready to be outside at night, at least until I am over the sheer stress of having them out there