They're here!

[rjmyooper]

12 Little Khaki Campbells arrived today (Pic #1). Spent the morning redoing all that I had planned to do in the brooder. Stuff like the height of the bowls, height of the cave, placement of the stuff.
They're still a little frazzled from the long ride,, so I'm letting them settle in before I go in and change their World a little more.
Question; (pic #2) - Should I cover the brooder with a blanket to retain some heat tonight, as it will be 60°ish overnight. They do have 2 heating pads on top of the cave.

 

[Mrs. K]

No, they need a warm spot, but 60's is not cold. They actually really don't need a lot of added heat, they produce quite a bit of heat on their own. They need a draft free place they can huddle that traps their heat.

And they need a lot of sunshine, seems kind of dark in there? I would have them outside with shade, sun and a wind block at least a couple of hours a day. It makes them healthier.

Beware of coddling them too much, with the best of intentions, often times people want to keep them safe and warm, wind up keeping them in too small of space so they can't exercise, and too warm so they don't feather.

MRs K

 

[rjmyooper]

No, they need a warm spot, but 60's is not cold. They actually really don't need a lot of added heat, they produce quite a bit of heat on their own. They need a draft free place they can huddle that traps their heat.

And they need a lot of sunshine, seems kind of dark in there? I would have them outside with shade, sun and a wind block at least a couple of hours a day. It makes them healthier.

Beware of coddling them too much, with the best of intentions, often times people want to keep them safe and warm, wind up keeping them in too small of space so they can't exercise, and too warm so they don't feather.

MRs K

I just moved them into half of the coop, to give them more room. You are correct, there isn't much sunlight in there. I'll have to remedy that.

 

[Mrs. K]

Let them outside during the day. It is important. A cardboard box will give enough shade, and a bit of protections from the wind. But really outside is more important during the daylight hours.

I you watch them with a hen, she will have them out tramping over a huge spot, getting exercise and fresh air.

 

[Isadora]

What cuties.

 

[rjmyooper]

Let them outside during the day. It is important. A cardboard box will give enough shade, and a bit of protections from the wind. But really outside is more important during the daylight hours.

I you watch them with a hen, she will have them out tramping over a huge spot, getting exercise and fresh air.

I could build a small pen to take them outside. They almost made it outside this morning. They got behind me when I was cleaning and all of a sudden they got spooked and ran out the gate, which is still inside their house. Thankfully they stay in a group so I could coral them back into their space. Live and learn.

 

[Mrs. K]

Why are you not letting them outside? Are you afraid you won't be able to catch them? I would just leave the gate open, and let them go in and out at will. Train them to a night box. At night, turn off the lights, and put them in a huddle box. They will keep themselves warm, and imprint on the box. Then when you let them out for the day, put the box in the run. At dark, they will put themselves in the box, and you can pick it up and put it where you want.

If they can get out of the wind, and into the shade while being outside, they should be there all day. I am assuming you have some type of run?

Keeping them in too small of area decreases strength. Exercise is important for body development. If all they have to do is eat ready made food, pretty boring. I will admit I have never done ducks, but chicks that side need at least a little time outside.

Mrs K

 

[rjmyooper]

Why are you not letting them outside? Are you afraid you won't be able to catch them? I would just leave the gate open, and let them go in and out at will. Train them to a night box. At night, turn off the lights, and put them in a huddle box. They will keep themselves warm, and imprint on the box. Then when you let them out for the day, put the box in the run. At dark, they will put themselves in the box, and you can pick it up and put it where you want.

If they can get out of the wind, and into the shade while being outside, they should be there all day. I am assuming you have some type of run?

Keeping them in too small of area decreases strength. Exercise is important for body development. If all they have to do is eat ready made food, pretty boring. I will admit I have never done ducks, but chicks that side need at least a little time outside.

Mrs K

Thank you for the post. At first, they were just too small to be out on their own, without supervision and they could get through the 4" x 2" fence. They are just about big enough now where they can't get through it. The fencing is secure as far as anything trying to dig under it because we do have a fox in the area. I do have some 1/2" cloth that I can use, so I'll get busy on that.