How soon can they move outside?

[Amiga]

Taking away water is okay after they are several weeks old, not too early. They need food and water available all the time the first several weeks.

It may be a temptation to take it away too soon, just because of brooder management challenges. But we don't want to compromise their health.

 

[chickboss]

Quote:
I would not let them have access to the medicated chick feed. I think the results of that could be way worse than testing to see if they are alright to go outside. How old are your chicks? Could they be getting close to being able to be switched to some kind of grower formula? Purina sells a Flock Raiser, that would be safe for the ducklings and the chicks, and it is unmedicated, and the price is very reasonable. Also, watch for some bullying from the ducks. Mine like to boss the chicks around. Ducks have their own house as well as the chicks, but they share a yard. It has all calmed down, but I had to watch the ducks like a hawk the first several days because they liked to chase the chicks away from the water (of corse) and it looked like sometimes they were trying to beat them up a little. I was pretty sure it was more posturing than anything else, so I gave it some time, and they all seem pretty happy now that everyone knows the ducks are in charge..LOL. But I could picture it getting out of hand.

curiousitycat~Isn't it crazy how fast they grow? I ended up building a 4'x8' brooder that can be disasembled in my dinning room. LOL, we now eat on the couch. As far as coddling, I just had the same thought when I went to check on mine last night. I have been so worried since they have been with out a light, and there they were sleeping away, not even touching one another.

You know my hobby farms guide to ducks book said they could handle almost any weather at 4 weeks as long as they have shelter and a some buddies to cuddle with, and I am starting to think it was right.

 

[chickboss]

You know, this subject comes up a lot, and there are some pretty varried answers on this thread which is great, does anyone think it should be a sticky?

 

[Cowgrl4life]

My oldest chicks are only about 5 weeks... aging down to one week with some day olds I'll be picking up next week... So switching foods right now isnt really an option. I have a lot of chicken wire left, but not a lot of wood... Maybe I'll look into seeing what I can get built at least tempoararily so that they can have somewhere to go outside separate from the chicks. I love these ducks but with the number of chickens I'm raising... maybe I should have waited

 

[Mom2Munchkins]

I put the duckings in with the grown ups, and they don't even notice each other!!! I am so glad they didnt fight or anything. Now if only I had the courage to leave them out for the night. I still think it's too cold...

 

[artsyrobin]

so how are they integrated? or do ducks not need that?