Moving The Ducks

[RitzyBud]

I moved my runners outside to their duck house at 4 weeks. The duck house has a dirt floor and is not insulated. I kept a heat lamp on for them at night, because here in CO nights still get into the 30s. As long as there isn't a draft in their new home, I bet they'll be alright with a heat lamp (PLUS everything Amiga said!). In fact, we are getting four more ducklings this week and I plan to keep them in my house for only three to four days before moving them out to the duck house with a heat lamp.

Hmmm, I wanted to get a single chicken ( maybe 2 ) and another pair of ducks. Do you think my current ducks would pick on them?

 

[RitzyBud]

Good luck with your ducks!

I have to admit, I'm a little worried about the size of the brooder with mine, too. I have them in a kiddie pool currently, with a fence (from my rabbits) to build the walls up to the proper height. The temperature has been fine, but I'm thinking the floor space might get tough in the next few weeks. So I might end up with the same criteria you have as far as when to move them out.

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

Hmmm, I wanted to get a single chicken ( maybe 2 ) and another pair of ducks. Do you think my current ducks would pick on them?

I'm new to raising ducks, but here are my thoughts.

I wouldn't say getting "picked on," it all seems unintentional; but at 3 weeks old, ducks have little concern for the things around them. Your little ones would probably get trampled, or they might be blocked from the food and water by the bigger ducks. The older ones might also try to peck them in the eyes, etc. I would keep them separated yet able to see each other if possible. Until the little ones are big enough to fit in with the older ones.

Also, chicks can sometimes peck at ducklings and actually pull all their feathers out, so you might need to keep them separate as well. You will just have to do some research and observe them.

My ducks are 2 months old. The ducklings I'm getting this week will be 2-3 days old. When I put the new ones in the duck house, I will use a barrier (like wire mesh) to create a separate areas for the young and the old. That way, they can get comfortable seeing each other and being close to one another without putting the little ones at risk.

 

[RitzyBud]

The ducklings and gosling have moved out as of today! They are 4 weeks and 1 day old. It is around 83 degrees outside and they're loving it! Pictures to come later

 

[Miss Lydia]

The ducklings and gosling have moved out as of today! They are 4 weeks and 1 day old. It is around 83 degrees outside and they're loving it! Pictures to come later