When can I put my duckies outside???

[duckyfromoz]

Im sure the weather is very different between California and Canada at the moment- so each of you can really only make up your own minds about what is right for you and your ducklings. They are hardier than chickens- pick up a three week old duckling even with no lamp on in the brooder inside and their little bodies will be warmish- but put them outside in lower temps and they wont feel as warm.
Before leaving them out all night- try them outside during the day a few times to see how they go. Its easier to bring them back inside during the day and wait an extra week or so than to wake up to a very cold morning with sick ducklings from them being chilled.

 

[dianaross77]

You could try switching out their bedding to pine pellets. It would really help with the smell.

 

[daidyducks]

Quote:
Bright idea

 

[DuckLover179]

Quote:
Good idea, and I'm sure it would work great... But I just went through an experience with straw, and I know straw and pellets are VERY different, it's just I already was using puppy pads as the bedding, and the changes were nonstop. I decided to go to the feed store and try straw, because I have heard great things about it. I tried it for about 2 days without 1 change, and was pretty happy with it... Until about an hour ago, when I DID change it, then it SUCKED. It was wet and leaking everywhere, and on everything and no matter what it wouldn't fit in the stupid trash bag!!! Anyway I finally got it in, but I decided to go with NO other bedding, and just stick with puppy pads... So for someone who is willing to try new bedding, I'm sure pine pellets would work PERFECTLY! But I just can't go through that experience again...

(To make it worse, right after I went through all that, my mom said "Oh, next time just use a shovel"! WOW!! Tell me that RIGHT AFTER I clean it!!!)

 

[Candice's Peeps]

I am new to ducks...but my plan is to put my four ducklings outside at about 4 weeks old with two of my more broody chickens to huddle with them to keep them warm. That is my plan, but I will play it by ear.

Good luck!

Candice

 

[dianaross77]

Quote:
Good idea, and I'm sure it would work great... But I just went through an experience with straw, and I know straw and pellets are VERY different, it's just I already was using puppy pads as the bedding, and the changes were nonstop. I decided to go to the feed store and try straw, because I have heard great things about it. I tried it for about 2 days without 1 change, and was pretty happy with it... Until about an hour ago, when I DID change it, then it SUCKED. It was wet and leaking everywhere, and on everything and no matter what it wouldn't fit in the stupid trash bag!!! Anyway I finally got it in, but I decided to go with NO other bedding, and just stick with puppy pads... So for someone who is willing to try new bedding, I'm sure pine pellets would work PERFECTLY! But I just can't go through that experience again...

(To make it worse, right after I went through all that, my mom said "Oh, next time just use a shovel"! WOW!! Tell me that RIGHT AFTER I clean it!!!)

That sounds awful. I use a big dustpan to shovel out the pellets. That works really well.