When can I put my ducks outside?

[Lrm93]

i have 2 ducklings that are around 8-9 weeks old, and 4 that are about 3 weeks old. My 2 bigger ones are huge, and making a mess out of their enclosure in my basement. I'm ready for them to go out. They have almost all of their feathers except the feathers on the top of their heads. Can I put them outside? I'm in Pa, daytime temps right now stay between 65°-80°, night temps between 50°-60°.

 

[Lrm93]

i have 2 ducklings that are around 8-9 weeks old, and 4 that are about 3 weeks old. My 2 bigger ones are huge, and making a mess out of their enclosure in my basement. I'm ready for them to go out. They have almost all of their feathers except the feathers on the top of their heads. Can I put them outside? I'm in Pa, daytime temps right now stay between 65°-80°, night temps between 50°-60°.

Also, I'm a first time duck owner so any tips would be greatly appreciated. Especially since they will be living next door to my chicken coop.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yep if you have a secure pen and house for them by all means put them out but I'd give the 3 week olds a little more time before putting them outside.

 

[CarleeAnn]

What is their coop like? Sounds fine as long as they have some bedding to snuggle in protected by a secure house.

 

[Lrm93]

What is their coop like? Sounds fine as long as they have some bedding to snuggle in protected by a secure house.

They will actually be living in a metal dirty floor addition that was built onto my garage. Doors will be open during the day so they can free range, and back in at night. (I have a guard dog outside of my coop and he's never let any preditors in). They will have a dog house with straw, a heat lamp for really cold nights, and a kiddy pool.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like nice set up.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Ditto! Get those stinkers outside!!

 

[ker0412]

Yes I'd give a youngest just a couple more weeks. Just make sure the coop set up has good air flow, even at night as when ducks breathe they produce a lot of moisture.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

If you think the coop is secure and predator proof then you should be fine letting them out. Though I sometimes wait til there fully feathered to let them out during the nightt

 

[Chickiemom25]

They will actually be living in a metal dirty floor addition that was built onto my garage. Doors will be open during the day so they can free range, and back in at night. (I have a guard dog outside of my coop and he's never let any preditors in). They will have a dog house with straw, a heat lamp for really cold nights, and a kiddy pool.

Mine usually hatch and live outside day 1 and only time I had a problem was a week of unusual 8 degree weather. 50s should be fine for the older ducks. At 4 weeks your younger ones should be able to move out as long as they have a draft proof house with straw or bedding to keep warm at night.