When can my ducklings play outside?

[Mummyduck]

I was just wondering when my ducklings can go outside - not permanently as they are still too young - but just to have supervised play. They are running around a lot in the brooder and having fun in there but it's sunny and I think they'd like 10 mins or so in the garden. I'd make sure they don't get too cold. Would they run off or will they stick with me and each other? Our garden is enclosed but I worry their could be places they would hide, like under a bush! Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ZoeS95423]

You could make a little out door enclosure for them to play in for parts of the day, depending on the temperature you shouldnt have to worry too much, I let my babies outside at any age, in an enclosure that connects to the back of my brooder bulding, which has a heat lamp in case they get too cold.

 

[jdywntr]

Sure. Keep an eye on them if they aren't in a covered area. If they are, depending on where you live, you could put them out. It is SO much easier with them outside.

 

[GrannyCarol]

I'll take 2 - 3 day old ducklings out in the sun for some fun. I put them in a pen that will contain them - I have doggie ex-pens and line them with cardboard, or the babies will run out. I never leave them alone out there for a minute. We have cats and they naturally see day old ducklings as prey. I lock them up, but any cat could dart in and snag a baby or two. There are also small hawks that prey on songbirds that would love one of my babies. I still love to see them in the sun with a cat litter tray of warm water to play in!

 

[Going Quackers]

Quote:
That is THE cutest picture!

 

[Going Quackers]

If your temps are mild and you watch real well.. but i would 'pen' them in for sure.. i have a small wire circle thing that we use for our rabbits that i keep my almost 6-7wks olds in so they get 'outside' time.. watch for air attacks to this is why mine don't free range at so small still we have some really big hawks here... my others are older so they free range daily.

 

[Mummyduck]

Thanks very much for all your advice everyone - I love that pic, so cute!!! If it is sunny again tomorrow I will take them outside. I only have 2 at the moment so hopefully they won't be too hard to manage...!!! I think I will make a pen so that they can't disappear under the bushes and keep an eye out for any predators. I'll add a pic of them outside if I can figure out how to do it! I can't wait to show them the garden, I think they will love it!

 

[showjumper_girl2002]

i take my 4 day old ducklings out and sit in the grass with them, i first took them out at 2 days old when they started to get spunky

they do just fine and love playing in the grass

i'm always with them though for supervision. they're so much fun... enjoy having fun with your little guys!

 

[Mummyduck]

Thanks for your help everyone! It was a really sunny day here in England (for a change) so I took my two babies outside and they loved it! Omlet was a bit cautious at first and jumped on my lap by they soon were running about and splashing in the water having a great time! Thankyou.