Moving 7-week muscovies outside

[Lugh]

Hi all--

I recently rescued two muscovy eggs from an abandoned nest (mom abandoned it after a raccoon attack) and hatched both eggs. The ducklings are now 7 weeks old and, after spending those first seven weeks in a large shower in an extra bathroom, we moved them outside to a 7'x6' covered run with a nice 3'x2.5' duck shack with plenty of bedding.

That was two days ago and they have been crying nonstop since we moved them. We couldn't really have ducks in the house anymore between the constant bedding changes, the smell, and the flies that started to accompany their presence in the shower. Not to mention I wanted my bathroom back.This is better for them and better for us, but I can hear them crying from inside the house and it is quite sad. My wife is heartbroken for them.

Have we made a mistake in moving them while they're not fully grown? Should I have given them another few weeks in the house (or perhaps moved their shack to the garage or outdoor patio) or will this pass and they'll get used to their new surroundings?

 

[SouthernPride]

It's not too early. It will pass once they get used to the surroundings and new routine. You could also put in a radio, soothing music or talk radio. That might help them acclimate to their new digs.

 

[Amiga]

My biggest concern is their safety. Do you have half inch metal hardware cloth over openings so that raccoons cannot reach in?

You could also try an unbreakable mirror. But spending time with them in that area, giving treats, may help also.

 

[Lugh]

I have the 1/2" PVC netting they sell at Home Depot on the sides and top and 6" of hardware cloth buried in the ground to prevent digging. The house is a basic plywood shack with a latchable front door and hardware cloth-covered windows for light and ventilation. The roof is on hinges and opens upwards but also has a heavy 2x6 screwed to its underside so that the plywood doesn't warp and so that it's too heavy for a critter to open.

I let them out at around 8am and bring them in at around 7pm when the sun begins to descend. I also extended the run so it goes right up to the door. I would take a picture but don't want to make the ducks cry by going out there and then leaving them. Thoughts on security? There is a raccoon or two hanging around and apparently the City of Deerfield beach frowns upon discharging firearms in residential neighborhoods else they would have long ago eaten a Hydra-Shok.

 

[Amiga]

A couple of strands of electric wire, if you can swing it. Some folks say urine dissuades certain critters.