When can I take the heat lamp off my ducklings?

[wtusa1718]

I have 2 duckings that are 3 weeks old. When can I take the heat lamp off them? My house stays at about 74 degrees and about 69 at night.

 

[Isaac 0]

Preferably once they get their adult feathers in, I like to have a big kiddie pool as a brooder, and leave the heat lamp on most of the time so even if the birds are warm they can move away as needed.

 

[wtusa1718]

Preferably once they get their adult feathers in, I like to have a big kiddie pool as a brooder, and leave the heat lamp on most of the time so even if the birds are warm they can move away as needed.

Ok. So how long should that take?

 

[Isaac 0]

Ok. So how long should that take?

It depends on the breed, and what kind of temps they are being exposed to, but somewhere between 6-8 weeks is common.

 

[MGG]

Ok. So how long should that take?

You can start weaning them off it now, leave it on overnight, turn it off 4-5 times a day for an hour or two. Then gradually lengthen the time. Leave it on all night for maybe another week though.

 

[MGG]

It depends on the breed, and what kind of temps they are being exposed to, but somewhere between 6-8 weeks is common.

I usually have mine off at 5 weeks. I have more ducklings than two usually though so they cuddle.

 

[Isaac 0]

I usually have mine off at 5 weeks. I have more ducklings than two usually though so they cuddle.

I guess, I don't worry about it too much, I give them plenty of space in their brooder, and just leave the heat lamp on so they can use it as needed. If you have a fairly small brooder where the temp is majorly controlled by the heat lamp I could see why you would have to do that. Once they have most of their adult feathers in, I start letting them outside for longer times each day so they can acclimate to the temps.

 

[Miss Lydia]