So big!

[Quackygal84]

Ok, I knew ducks got big but i was told not to put them out until they had their big girl feather around 7-9 weeks... well, i have a little outdoor enclosure for them which is fine during the day they are out there until the sun goes down, but it's not completely predator proof yet so I bring them in and put them back in the brooder at night. They are outgrowing that FAST! Can I take the food and water bowl out of there at night to give more room? Help!
I've enclosed a picture of the setup (yes, they sleep next to my bed because I'm a crazy duck lady now )

 

[Isaac 0]

Ducks just like most animals need space to move, I realize you are only keeping them in there at night, but it's much too small for that, and when you keep ducks in such a small space, you often have to deal with fungal infections, bumblefoot, ammonia burn, sticky eye, obesity, wet feather, and other problems related to lack of hygiene and exercise encouragement. That said, this needs to be corrected.

Where in the world do you live, and what are the daytime/nighttime temps getting to? If its somewhere between 65-90F you could probably keep them out at night in a secure coop. If your coop/run isn't secure I would buy a large kiddie pool and keep them in there at night until the coop is finished.

 

[Quackygal84]

Ducks just like most animals need space to move, I realize you are only keeping them in there at night, but it's much too small for that, and when you keep ducks in such a small space, you often have to deal with fungal infections, bumblefoot, ammonia burn, sticky eye, obesity, wet feather, and other problems related to lack of hygiene and exercise encouragement. That said, this needs to be corrected.

Where in the world do you live, and what are the daytime/nighttime temps getting to? If its somewhere between 65-90F you could probably keep them out at night in a secure coop. If your coop/run isn't secure I would buy a large kiddie pool and keep them in there at night until the coop is finished.

Yes, just waiting to finish the coop. Ok, in the kiddie pool I should keep food/water right? These ducks are only 3.5 weeks! I thought i would have more time! My poor babies!

 

[Isaac 0]

Yep, food in water in the kiddie pool, and maybe I should have specified put it in the house or they'll be duck dinner.

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Quackygak84, Welcome to BYC. As Isaac 0 posted, you need more room for your babies, Like Yesterday! Maybe you could post some pics of your outdoor enclosure and those of us here at BYC could help you with some ideas on how to predator proof your outdoor enclosure. Your little cuties would greatly appreciate the extra room at night !

 

[Quackygal84]

Yes, just waiting to finish the coop. Ok, in the kiddie pool I should keep food/water right? These ducks are only 3.5 weeks! I thought i would have more time! My poor babies!

Oh no, I live in Texas. I worry more about it being too hot! I'll enclose a picture of their daytime enclosure too

 

[Quackygal84]

Not sure of you can see it well in this picture, sorry! I empty the pool in the mornings because i can't see what I'm doing out there at night, so don't worry all that water gets changed daily!

 

[Quackygal84]

Hello Quackygak84, Welcome to BYC. As Isaac 0 posted, you need more room for your babies, Like Yesterday! Maybe you could post some pics of your outdoor enclosure and those of us here at BYC could help you with some ideas on how to predator proof your outdoor enclosure. Your little cuties would greatly appreciate the extra room at night !

Yes! I would love that!

 

[416bigbore]

You have very pretty babies, just out of curiosity, have they been sexed? One Drake and 3 hens?

 

[Quackygal84]

So this is it right now it comes off the master bedroom. I bought some hardware cloth but man that stuff is hard to work with by yourself so i might have to wait until someone can help me with that.