When is it safe for my khaki Campbell's to be kept outside?

[duckman1397]

It is low 40s to mid 50s right now. My ducklings are 2-3 weeks old. Will it be safe to put them outside April 13th? They will be 5-6 weeks old and it will be 60s.

 

[Alaskan]

I am always a "go ahead and try it and see" kind of person.

Toss them out and watch them. They will tell you if they are too cold (hiding in a huddle, and retreating to the warmest corner available).

However, if they have never been outside before, they might huddle a little at first, simply because of the wide open wonder of it all.

So.... I would get a good book, pick a day where you have an extra two hours, and sit and read your book and watch them.

Ducks in general are pretty hardy beasts. You could always set up a 'warm up spot' in their coop or shelter, where they can run if they get a bit chilled.

Another choice, is to have them outside all day, and bring them back inside at night.

Don't forget to make everything very predator proof, ducks are yummy.

 

[Amiga]

I take it when you say kept outside, you mean at night also. If you are talking night time temperatures in the mid 60s, then maybe. But they aren't fully feathered, and I would hesitate to leave them out before they are.

Alaskan has some great advice for you. Watch. Don't just leave them out unattended. They must be in a predator-proof environment. Not just near a shelter. Some predators will reach through a fence and pull the duckling out piece by piece if they cannot get it whole.

 

[duckman1397]

I could put a heat lamp in there 60s would be day time temp

 

[Amiga]

Some do that just fine, there is also a fire risk to be aware of - be careful.

If keeping them in is a problem due to water issues, this might help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/858161/feed-water-solution-for-brooder#post_12901321

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/679433/water-water-everywhere/10

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/641902/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder

 

[duckman1397]

I have to get them out by then because they are in my grandmas basement in front of the mower and they can't open the garage door either because there are feral cats outside