I took their light away!!!

[SDChef]

Yes I decided today to take away their light. My 12 day old ducklings and Goslings are on their own. My plan is to get them used to the San Diego weather without a light for the first night. Window cracked in the room for the second and third night and possibly out into the outdoor shelter on monday or tuesday. They will be outside in an old closed up shed that will keep them protected from any drafts or predators at night and I will open the door during the day so they can get some fresh air. I am only going to let them out when I am home to supervise and I am sure they will be just fine. think this is too soon? The weather has been extremely warm, around 70+ during the day and around 55 at night with the wind factored in. Considering how big they are and how fast they are growing I'm sure they can handle it. Any thoughts?

 

[tigerrrrrrrlilly]

I am also in San Diego, I have had mine outside for the last 2 weeks in the coop without the light. I used a light in the coop for a couple weeks before that and when they didn't seem to use it anymore I took it away. They like to sleep in a corner pile of straw. They hatched March 28th. I keep them inside, gradually take the light away then move them outside (in the coop) with the light and then work on taking it away again. They free ranged in the day the entire time since puttin them outside with the coop door open so they could go in if needed.

 

[SDChef]

My only thing is that I don't have an electrical supply where they will be going so a light is out of the question. do you think they will be ok? I do live in North Park so I don't have to worry about any cold nights from here on out.

 

[tigerrrrrrrlilly]

I think they will be ok, if they get cold they will cry and stumble all over eachother trying to huddle so I would check on them, especially when it's at the coldest temp around 3 or 4am.

 

[Bettacreek]

Mine are outdoors at two weeks of age, and I'm in Pennsylvania. I do turn the light on at night or really crappy days, but, to be honest, that's more to move their butts into the coop instead of out in the run. I turned it on pretty late last night and nobody was cold.

 

[Amiga]

At twelve days old, I would hesitate to have them out below 70 degrees. I am sure there are many opinions to the contrary, but I am going with Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks, which has been very on-target for so many things I am sticking with their recommendation for 90 degrees the first week, dropping about 5 degrees a week until they are ready for outdoor temperatures.

My thought is that they need energy for growth, and if they are spending the energy to keep warm, they are not going to grow as well.

 

[DaKid]

I have read that ducks don't need the heat like chicks do which would be like 6 weeks from 90*F to 65*F ....Where ducks can take the cooler temps. sooner like 1/2 the time period



Alan

 

[SDChef]

Thanks for the responses everyone, as always I can count on you!

So I have decided to go ahead with my plan and move them outdoors, and last night was their last night inside. I figure that if I can be outside at night in sandals, shorts and a t-shirt at 2 in the morning and still feel just fine than these guys will be good in a nice cozy wooden shed with a foot of straw to bundle up with. I will make sure that I keep an eye on them for the first few nights but i'm positive it will be for the best. If they can survive in the Pennsylvania climate, than San Diego will be no problem! I will take some pictures to post as soon as they make the move.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[SDChef]

Quote:
The temps here in San Diego have been running around 80 lately and given fact that bad weather is almost non existent in the late spring and summer months I am giving them a little independence. Plus they are HUGE at only 2 weeks, The Goslings are almost a couple pounds each and are quickly outgrowing their space in the house. However I do respect your position and if I had the patience to keep them inside I would. I definitely will be building and outdoor brooder for next year!