Moving Ducks Outside (Temp Question)

[AzDuck]

Hi BYC(& ducks)

My 5 ducks will be 6 weeks old tomorrow (3 runners, 1 khaki, 1 cayuga). We are planning to transition them outside sometime next week, BUT I have a question about temps.

I am in Northern Arizona, where right now, the daytime temperatures are around 75-85 F, and the evening temps are anywhere from 45-55 F. We have built a full sized duck house for them (pictured), and I will line it with straw before moving them out. I read an “age chart” that said they shouldn’t be in temps below 50 at this age, however, I know others that put them out in colder temps. They are *almost* fully feathered. Can I put them out if it is only going to be in the mid-high 40’s some nights? I’m worried to shock them, since they’ve been in our warm house in their brooder this whole time.
Thank you!!

 

[rp riley]

I would think they would be okay

 

[Miss Lydia]

One thing they will need is good ventilation. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/. Love your coop but windows covered in hardware cloth is very important and good ventilation up around the top to let out moisture. At 6 weeks if you have been taking them
Out daily to acclimate they should be fine.

 

[AzDuck]

Thank you @Miss Lydia ! There is ventilation from the top to the back and the “vents” are covered in hardware cloth. I attached the photo without the front of the coop on so you can see it better. And they have been outside many days, but only when it’s been 65+...should that still be okay?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I believe they will be fine with soft bedding to snuggle down into. Very nice coop.

 

[Jan Croot]

Is the coop close enough for power?

From three weeks, mine free range, running from their toasty barn, to the run, and back, with a bit of heat on cold nights. They don't need heat all the time.

 

[Miss Lydia]

These ducks are 6 weeks old and can even go all night with out food an water.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Your coup is really nice .....but Arizona is a pretty hot place. Are you sure that is enough ventilation for the ducks?

 

[AzDuck]

Your coup is really nice .....but Arizona is a pretty hot place. Are you sure that is enough ventilation for the ducks?

I hope so! We are in Northern Az, where we have very cold, snowy winters. We didn’t want vents too large due to the chance of snow coming in.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Cut windows put hardware cloth over an use the piece you cut out to attach to the coop with hinges that way you can open when needed an close when you don’t but if you have hot weather place thermometer inside their coop so you can see how high temps are. You maybe surprised at the heat and for ducks that have a nice layer of down under their feathers windows an fresh air is very important.