taking them outside?

[kada6305]

So our weather is supposed to be upper 40's- upper 50's/low 60's this week with lows of mid-low 40's with one night in the 20's and a few in the mid 30's. is it warm enough to take my ducks outside during the day for a little bit? the mallards will be 4 weeks sat and the Kc's turned 4 weeks wed. when will I be able to move them into their house? they aren't fully feathered yet. Just don't want them getting cold/ sick. Thanks so much !

 

[jonhpdx]

I don't see why not. I've been bringing my ducks out in 50-60 degree weather the past two weeks and they're not quite 5 weeks old. I'd say it's safe. I limit my girls' time outside to less than an hour a day and they seem to love getting out of their pen for a while.

 

[kada6305]

I don't see why not. I've been bringing my ducks out in 50-60 degree weather the past two weeks and they're not quite 5 weeks old. I'd say it's safe. I limit my girls' time outside to less than an hour a day and they seem to love getting out of their pen for a while.

okay i wasnt sure if it would be a shock and make them chill from going to a 76 brooder to a 50 temp outside lol

 

[cymbaline]

Mine are about 5.5 weeks and I've been taking them on trips outside for a while now. Sometimes in the temps you describe, sometimes a little colder. They have a blast!

 

[jonhpdx]

okay i wasnt sure if it would be a shock and make them chill from going to a 76 brooder to a 50 temp outside lol

Don't worry about the temps, as long as they end up back in their pen with a heat lamp they'll be fine. They'll "tell" you if they're cold, but generally ducks thrive in colder weather so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[kada6305]

okay good. good thing i have a fenced in place for the dogs lol. My ducks are still terrified of me so id be scared they would jsut run away if i let them lose.

 

[rubberduckies]

They should be fine. I took mine outside in 50-60 degree temps at that age. They just started staying outside in their house 24/7 when they turned 6 weeks old. The temps are in the 50's and 60's during the day. I lock them in their house at night (with a heat lamp because its been 28 degrees a couple nights). Mine only have a small area on their sides that aren't completely feathered. But with 5 of them they can huddle together for warmth under the lamp at night. Although I've peeled in the window to check on them and they seem fine. Not too cold or anything.

 

[jonhpdx]

okay good. good thing i have a fenced in place for the dogs lol. My ducks are still terrified of me so id be scared they would jsut run away if i let them lose.

My ducks follow me around and come when I call, so it's probably a little less of a worry for me. Mine are also very easily herded (unless they're enjoying themselves in my pond, in which case it's impossible to get them out). Having a fenced-in area might be advantageous for you.

 

[kada6305]

My ducks follow me around and come when I call, so it's probably a little less of a worry for me. Mine are also very easily herded (unless they're enjoying themselves in my pond, in which case it's impossible to get them out). Having a fenced-in area might be advantageous for you.

oh yes, its a little muddy out so i might wait a few days. **** dogs and their digging LOL but they will have their house buolt this weekend and will be outside 24/7 in about a week so no worries

 

[kada6305]

well took them out today it was about 52 F they LOVED it. It's cute how they act like a little flock, Rascal was the leader lol.
here are some pictures I took



follow the leader