If you look through my pics I have my set up. I used a kiddie pool and put wire around it to keep them in. It work for 4 till they were just under 6 weeks. I also took them outside quite a bit. I then switched them to my kids large kiddie pool that had the slide attached and they only went in that at night and were in the garage with no heat. You are in TX right? With it being so warm they will be find during the day for the next few days. They were just saying it's going to get cool again at the end of the week. Mine we outside full time around 10 weeks, but with this year being so warm I bet they can go out sooner.
Do you have something like a wire dog kennel? All my ducks began their lives in one and it worked fine. Otherwise anything that is tall enough and large enough for them to move about, have food and water. You can always cover the top of a box or something like that (a large plastic tote from Walmart about 20 bucks) cover it with a piece of screen or chicken wire as a temporary solution.
I looked at your location and weather. Actually your weather looks pretty good for letting them outside before they are fully feathered. They will need shelter in the night and a secure are to keep them from harm. You look to be in the mid 80's in the day and the 60's at night except for a little cold spell this coming weekend. So, if you move them out make sure they have a warm spot to huddle in without piling up and suffocating the smallest on the bottom. If you use a heat lamp make sure it can not start a fire and that it is securely fastened. Don't depend on just the clamp that comes with it.
If they are closely bonded now then they will help each other stay warm if needed.
Thanks! I was planning on taking them outside tomorrow in a wire dog kennel. It is supposed to be 89 degrees!!! I think they will enjoy having grass under their feet. I will take the solid plastic tray out of the bottom so the wire is next to the ground and let them play. Hopefully my big girls will be interested and come say Hi...we can always hope! We have had a very mild winter here so far.
So far is seems to be "tall enough" that is the problem. I have one that can JUMP!! I have them in a tote currently but I know they are growing fast and will need something larger for them. Once they are fully feathered do they still need a heat lamp?
Thanks for yall's advice! It's great to be able to bounce things off of everyone!
M