Opinions on moving ducklings outside?

[ccook06]

We are having extremely nice weather for the season this year (75-80F during the day, 40-45F at night). I took my 3 two week old ducklings outside today to get some sunshine and fresh air and they are loving it of course. I'm wondering if they could stay outside....

Normally I wouldn't think of it at 2 weeks - I kept their parents inside until about 5-6 weeks of age but here's why I'm thinking differently this time around :


For one the weather is a lot warmer this year and the forecast is calling for nice temps into next week.

I have 5 eight week old chickens now - all female - so I put the ducklings in with them today so the big ducks wouldn't hurt them. The ducklings are nearly the size of the chickens already!

My coop is 5 x 3.5 feet inside with 4 nest boxes extending off the back wall. The coop is insulated and has siding on the outside. I have pine shavings inside for bedding. The run is 15 x 8 feet. So as far as space I think I have enough room for everyone - so far everyone is getting along fine. The chickens aren't too sure about these little yellow invaders but they are tolerating them lol.

Mostly I am concerned about night time - I don't want the babies to get cold. They would be locked in the coop at night with the chickens. Would they be warm enough? Any concerns about pecking or fighting between the chickens and the ducklings?

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[DucksAndGardens]

I wouldn't put 2 week old ducks in with chickens. Chickens can be brutal and there are several threads on here where chickens have torn up even adult ducks. Locking them in with the chickens is kind of asking for trouble. Also at 2 weeks I'd be worried about them getting chilled especially at night as there are only 3 of them. They can't generate enough heat to stay warm. I guess I could be considered an overprotective duck mom because mine are 6 weeks and still overnight inside the house but spend the day outside. I would rather just be safe than sorry.

 

[ccook06]

Yeah them getting chilled at night is my biggest concern. I could run a heat lamp if I had to but that would be too hot for the chickens I'm sure. And I definitely don't want injuries to any of my critters. Right now all 8 of them are running around happily foraging together which is why I was hopeful. *sigh*

I'm sure it's all just wishful thinking on my part - not having to clean their brooder 2-3 times a day would be awesome, but I don't want them to suffer for my convenience.