Six weeks old? Ready to go?

[McChics]

Our three Tractor Supply ducks have grow so fast it is crazy! Having done chickens before, I can't believe my eyes at the pace of their growth. Right now our weather is typical Central Illinois spring, with lows in the 40s but mostly 50s, and highs upwards of 70s, but 60 on average. I've been letting them out each day after work. They have a pen off the main chicken coop where they swim in a cut down tote and play. I've been slowly integrating the chickens - and so far so good. The chickens are now allowed to come into their area (very curious about the ducks) and nobody has attacked yet. They do keep a little distance though.

Okay - I'm tired of the ducks in the garage! They haven't seen a clean bowl of water, food, or wood shavings yet that they don't want to muck up in a matter of minutes. I'm a freak about keeping it clean for their sake and to keep the odor out of the house. They are now in a modified dog X pen with ample room - but they are clearly bored during the day. I have a Zmodo camera on them...and while entertaining to watch...they are ready to go.

So...I want to move them out. They have most their feathers. I see some shafts that are bare extending out on the tips under their wings. I've removed the heat lamp from them for the last week in the garage.

Lows this weekend in the high 40s, highs in the low 60s. I can run a heat lamp in their coop/hutch if needed, but it is super well ventilated so won't do much to keep the general area warm.

Argument for or against?

Also, do put food in or not all night? I've noticed in my house brooder pen area, once I took the heat lamp out and turned the lights off in the garage at night...their food consumption (over night) has gone down to very little. Lights out in the coop/hutch...I'm expecting the same.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Have they been out during the day time getting use to the temps?

As for food you can leave it out for over night now.
once 6 weeks old they can go over night without.

If no draft and pretty much feathered they probably won't need heat. But I'd def start by having them out during the day and then over night.

 

[McChics]

Hello Miss Lydia,

Yes...I've been getting them out almost every day after 4 p.m. and as early as 9 on weekends and letting them stay out till dusk. They know the drill...and last night lined up on their own heading to the house garage. Was awesome, but frustrating because they will likely be wanting to do that now from habit. Anyway, yes...they have been getting use to the cooler temps a little by little each day.

I'll leave their food in - I can also block the vents as needed for the first few nights to cut down on the drafts.

I think they will spend the night outside tonight! I'll keep the brooder set up for a while in case we need to switch gears.

 

[chickens really]

Put them outside. Definitely tougher than you think. My little Calls will be going outside today at a week old and only in at night.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hello Miss Lydia,

Yes...I've been getting them out almost every day after 4 p.m. and as early as 9 on weekends and letting them stay out till dusk. They know the drill...and last night lined up on their own heading to the house garage. Was awesome, but frustrating because they will likely be wanting to do that now from habit. Anyway, yes...they have been getting use to the cooler temps a little by little each day.

I'll leave their food in - I can also block the vents as needed for the first few nights to cut down on the drafts.

I think they will spend the night outside tonight! I'll keep the brooder set up for a while in case we need to switch gears.

I am sure they will be fine and your diligent and will know if anything changes with them and can respond accordingly. Please post some pics .

 

[AquaDuck]

Yes, move them out. Ducklings are tough critters, their fluff keeps them well insulated as long as they're dry and draft free. And they love the outdoors life!
I'd put a heat lamp on the first night, just in case. Then you can sneak out at night to see whether they're laying under it or not. If not, they're obviously hot enough as it is and doesn't need it.
You can make a cozy den too, with straw, cloth, anything warm and comfy.

 

[McChics]

Here are pics from a couple weeks ago. From left to right....you have Stripes, Ebony, and Ivory. We believe Ebony is a male. We inspected the vents and when we pressed his...his parts popped out. We "think" that was sufficient. The other two didn't do that.
Ivory is now all white - and they are already twice that size!

 

[McChics]

Here is a live shot from my Zmodo. I love these little cameras. Yes...I can and do talk to and listen in on them when I want! I have one on my chickens too in their coop - I've seen and heard things I think I'd never have had I been present.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sure are cute ducklings !

 

[EdgewaterDucks]

Oh yes, McChics, your ducklings can go outside full time. I'm in Illinois too, and I might be just the worst ducky daddy, but last Saturday, when my ducklings were only 3 weeks old, out they went! They were getting too big for the pen, their pine shavings couldn't stay dry a half hour, and the smell was starting to permeate. It gets chilly, but they are hearty birds. As the cluck juggler says above, you can put a heat lamp out, and you can judge for yourself. But mine are just fine, and love the outdoors. They find places to nestle themselves, they discovered the pond yesterday, and are getting to know their parents (that's still a bumpy process).