Week Old Ducklings - Keep Inside 24 Hours Or Stay With Mother At Night?

[emhartner]

Last week my one Khaki Campbell hatched seven ducklings. Unfortunately they've been getting picked off one by one during the day (I keep the in the coop at night so it's not happening then). I suspect hawks, although I know their predators are many. Yesterday morning I decided to bring the ones left inside until they can get bigger. It was not fun for me nor the mother when I took the ducklings from her. She was not happy - and I have a mark on my arm to prove it. Last night I had the bright idea of putting the ducklings out with her so that they could spend the night in the coop together. The mother was very happy to see them and all went well. This morning I went out to retrieve the ducklings and obviously the same thing over again - a very unhappy mother as I high tailed it to the house with the ducklings.

The question I have is - is it better to just keep them in the house 24 x 7 until they are big enough to stand a better chance outside? This way it would be less stress on them, the mother, and me.

Thank you,
Eric

 

[Cherib603]

Can you build a temporary outside pen with cover?

 

[bydhatch]

Keeping them inside or on a covered and screened deck would be your safest option.
Like @Cherib603 mentioned a covered, predator proof outdoor pen would work as well!