I tried a brief search for this and didn't come up with everything I need, so I'm sorry if these questions have all been asked and answered a dozen times...
My chicks and ducklings are 3 weeks old.
1) How old do they need to be to go outside (in WI we're getting into 80+ degree days, 60ish at night-although they'd be in the coop at night of course)? In the coop, with those nighttime temps, do they still need a heat lamp? I've stopped using it in the brooder because they seem to keep each other plenty warm in the safety of that smaller space.
2) How old do they need to be to go from free access food and water in the coop to feed and water just outside in the pen during the day? It seems like people have mixed feelings about constant food and water access, but that it might be ok for those to stay outside. I REALLY want to get to where the water is only outside, because of the ducks. Or I could separate the pens. Easier if I can just keep water outside.
3) How old do they need to be to start getting treats, and what about oyster shell?
I'm just trying to figure this out and not kill anyone in the process...
My chicks and ducklings are 3 weeks old.
1) How old do they need to be to go outside (in WI we're getting into 80+ degree days, 60ish at night-although they'd be in the coop at night of course)? In the coop, with those nighttime temps, do they still need a heat lamp? I've stopped using it in the brooder because they seem to keep each other plenty warm in the safety of that smaller space.
2) How old do they need to be to go from free access food and water in the coop to feed and water just outside in the pen during the day? It seems like people have mixed feelings about constant food and water access, but that it might be ok for those to stay outside. I REALLY want to get to where the water is only outside, because of the ducks. Or I could separate the pens. Easier if I can just keep water outside.
3) How old do they need to be to start getting treats, and what about oyster shell?
I'm just trying to figure this out and not kill anyone in the process...