When should I move my ducklings outside?

[Janay]

Hi,
I know there are several threads on this subject, but I couldn't find my information.
I have 8 ducklings all over 2 weeks old. Where I live now the highs during the day are 60's and lows in the 50's. I have 9 Red Star hens in the coop, all over a year old. When should I move the ducks outside? They are getting a bit big for the brooder. But how should I transfer them to the coop? How will the hens treat them?
Thanks for the help,

 

[ZetaPet]

I moved my Two Black Runners outside when they were two weeks, but I put them in our spare coop with the Heat lamp. They are about 4 weeks old and they still have the heat lamp at night. The babies can still get pretty cold at night. If you have something like that set up, I'm sure you will be fine as long as you keep an eye on the Weather and Temp.

 

[Janay]

Ok, I see. I would rather not use a heat lamp in my coop since I have read it is a bit dangerous and I think there is a high probability of it getting bumped with my many chickens running around in the coop. So do you think I should wait a couple more weeks?

 

[ZetaPet]

I would, If your weather is like ours (50-60 day time highs) I would wait. Just until it’s in the 60 for night time lows. As time go's on you will see that their "fluff" gets thicker and thicker then I would do a trial run on a night you can check on the often and make sure their beaks are not chattering. I tend to mother my ducklings a little bit too much, but they are pets for me so I don’t like to take too many chances.

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