When can ducklings go outside?

[bock]

I have 10 ducklings and 2 goslings that are almost 3 weeks old. They are currently in my barn in a "cardboard circle", as I like to say . They are SO good at making a mess out of their water, and they stink up the whole barn!! I can feel their feathers growing in, but do you think they can stay warm outside during the day? They can't stay out at night because there is a raccoon already trying to break into the chicken coop. Thank you!

 

[Amiga]

bock,

what is the weather like where you are? That matters so much.

Where I am, no way would I let young ducklings out today (40s F and raining). But I have had them out on calm near-70 F days a few times (when those rare days occur)

I understand about aromas

- our eleven runners are in the guest room

but really, there is not much smell because I am driven to clean them up pretty regularly as long as they are in the house. Keeps me hoppin!

They are seven weeks old almost. Once the nights are closer to 50 F, and when the electric fence charger arrives, they will be moving to their own little house.

 

[bock]

The weather has been in the upper 60's and low 70's the past few days.

So I guess I can move them out once I get their pen set up. Thank you!!

 

[Amiga]

If it will take a couple of weeks, then, yes, if you can keep them in a place where they can take cover and get extra shelter and warmth if they need it. At three weeks, they need to be around 75 degrees F. Some will be okay cooler, but some will need warmer and if you let the ones who are more sensitive to cold get too cold, it could be curtains.