How big is your brooder???

[tia]

My two week old ducklings have to stay inside because it is too cold here, but they seem to be outgrowing their brooder. I'm thinking it is time to build them a pen in the garage or something. I'm sure they would like more space to run around. How big do they have to be before they go outside in a pen? I live in Alaska and it is already starting to cool off for the fall. It has been below 60 degrees. I wish that I could find a larger container to keep them in. I have a kiddie pool that I could put pine shavings in... but they seem to like to eat them. Is that too big of an area for them? Does anyone have any suggestions. I'm having a hard time keeping their brooder clean.. and I'm trying to keep them somewhat dry. I am using the plastic milk carton watering method, but they still get their brooder pretty wet... and poopey of course.... : ) I was changing their bedding twice a day, and now I am up to 3. I tried the shelf liner on top of pine shavings but the little duckies were all wet in the morning so I switched back to towels. One of them is quacking a little. When do they usually start quacking??? I have all sorts of questions. I am going to build them a little house outside or use a shed that I already have, but I was thinking they would have to be much older before I moved them outside.. and have their feathers in.

Tia

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

It seemed to take forever for my ducklings to get their feathers although it was probably only six or seven weeks or so. Still I cannot imagine keeping them in the house beyond a week. Ducks are extremely hardy (hearty?) and don't seem to require the heat lamp for as long as chicks or poults do. You might try putting them out for the day to see how they do. If they seem to huddle up then they need an artificial heat source. Try the kiddie pool in the garage and have a heat lamp available on one side just in case? It won't be too big; next week they'll be double the size they are this week.

I feel for you having them in the house, they're kinda

I love my duckies, just don't like brooding them

 

[tia]

Thanks. I love mine too, I will get busy and make a little place for them in the garage that should do until I get their place outside ready. They will be easier to keep clean out there.

Tia