Question about Ducklings

[SunAngel]

Do you have to wait til they are fully feathered, like chicks, to put them outside without a heatlamp?

My Black Swedish and Pekin are getting big quick. I would love to get them out of their brooder, but they are only 2 and 3 weeks old. Not sure if they would be too cold at night yet. Unless I could put them into an outside run during the day when its sunny and bring them in at night?

 

[TriciaHowe]

I don't know about anyone else but I took the heat away completely at 6 wks. Up till then they had their whole grow out pen (250 sq ft). They could still get under it if they wanted too. They are 4 mths now and out with all the other ducks now

 

[froggie71]

Hi, I think it's too soon to have them outside. They do need to be fully feathered. Ducklings should never be left outdoors in cold weather or allow them to remain wet. For 3-4 weeks they need steady warmth 24 hours a day. I know we are still having unpredictable weather. I think if it's a warm day at least in the 80s you could leave them outside for a bit though. I understand how bad you want to get them outside, believe me!

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
That is what I would do have them outside during the day and inside at night. The cool weather will help them feather out faster also. I don't know about your weather but if it is cool and windy a wind break where they can get out of the wind would help.

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

I put my baby mallards outside in the garage at 4 weeks of age with no heat lamp..But it has not been cold here...It was 55 to 60 over night and 70 to 75 daytime...I will put them all the way outside with the others at 8 to 12 weeks..They are 6 right now...

 

[SunAngel]

Thanks for all the replies!

Yep, I am eager to get them outside, they are messy lil creatures lol. They just seem to have so much fun playing in the grass when I take them out for short walks, I wondered if it would hurt to leave them outside longer. Maybe I will see if I have a cage I can use for them during warm days. Its supposed to be 80 degrees + the next few days.

 

[headred]

I put mine out at 3 weeks with a heat lamp they never used. They were not fully feathered but did just fine and are huge and healthy now, see website ;-) Good luck!