Swimming in the cold

[Redbirdacres]

Hello! As I posted yesterday I have 7 ducklings. They're all about 7-14 days old (picked up 3 about 10 days ago and 4 more yesterday. Duck math is a thing too). The three we got first have had one swim session so far on a sunny day. However, we live in Wisconsin so we've gone from 80 to snow to 60s to cold to 70 and the last couple days it's been 40-50s wet and gross. All our chicks (ducklings, meat chicks, laying hens, and a roo) are in brooders in the garage. We have two dogs, one who would aggressively love and lick them, and one would eat them So bringing them inside into a warm room and swimming in the bathtub or sink is not an option.

Two-three (not sure about one) are experiencing some leg issues and are being treated with extra B complex. I want them to be able to take the weight off their legs and get some good movement in those legs muscles. But how do I do that and make sure they don't get too cold? I can close the garage but how warm should the water be? Or should I wait? What do I do for these babies? Sorry it's long.

 

[sourland]

I'd wait. Young ducklings are not fully oiled and can become waterlogged making them subject to hypothermia.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I agree with @sourland

 

[Redbirdacres]

I agree with @sourland

How warm should I make sure it is before allowing them to swim? I want them to be able to move their joints as a few are having issues

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just like you'd have for a baby. You don't want them to chill and since they are only wearing down right now the water needs to be warm. Warm water therapy, B complex and exercise [not running] but getting down where they can move around and explore is also good for them. we would put our ducklings down on the floor and let them explore. On warm days we took the outside to explore.