Moved ducks outside during day (4 wk Pekins) eating has sharply dropped

[DuckDuckGander]

We moved our ducks into an outdoor pen during the day with access to food and water. Before we moved the ducks, they were eating about a cup of food each a day. Now that they're outside, they're eating maybe a quarter of the food we leave out for them. The pen has dirt/sand/soil underneath it. I can't imagine they're eating that. What could be the cause of this? Or are they just getting acclimated to being outside?

 

[Amiga]

A big change like that may affect their appetite. Keep an eye on them. Is it much warmer in their new space?

I also think it is possible that ducks can eat more when they are bored. Just a thought.

 

[CMRDucks]

We moved our ducks into an outdoor pen during the day with access to food and water. Before we moved the ducks, they were eating about a cup of food each a day. Now that they're outside, they're eating maybe a quarter of the food we leave out for them. The pen has dirt/sand/soil underneath it. I can't imagine they're eating that. What could be the cause of this? Or are they just getting acclimated to being outside?

Mine are a year old this month. When they first spent time outside at 3-4 weeks their food intake dropped to 1/4. During the course of their first year, as long as they had access to ground they rarely ate their feed. They were on clover and dandelion pasture though. They may be priming their digestive systems with grit from the yard and finding more bugs/worms than you think. Since there aren't getting greens in their run, toss some in - dandelions, clover, anything on the amazing treat list sticky, if they gobble those down, it's probably a transition thing. If they don't gobble down veggie treats - tomatoes are a great thrill for mine, then you may have an issue that could just be transition or something more if it continues not enjoying veggie treats. Just my experience

 

[CMRDucks]

We moved our ducks into an outdoor pen during the day with access to food and water. Before we moved the ducks, they were eating about a cup of food each a day. Now that they're outside, they're eating maybe a quarter of the food we leave out for them. The pen has dirt/sand/soil underneath it. I can't imagine they're eating that. What could be the cause of this? Or are they just getting acclimated to being outside?

How are they doing now?