When to move indian runner ducks outside in UK?

[christina_x89]

Hi I have 6 indian runner ducklings 4 weeks old. They have grown so much and have nearly outgrown their indoor pen. I am having to change their pen daily as their so messy and begins to smell otherwise. I live in the SW of England. When can they live outside?

 

[KaleIAm]

What temperature is it outside now? Do you have a fully enclosed predator proof coop or barn for them to sleep in? How about a fully enclosed predator proof run or aviary for them to spend the day in?

 

[christina_x89]

The weather is so varied at the moment. Its around 15 degrees in day and around 8 degrees at night. We have a fully enclosed duck house which I'm planning to lock them in at night and an enclosed pen for outside space. I'm thinking it's still too cold until their feathers come fully through

 

[KaleIAm]

The weather is so varied at the moment. Its around 15 degrees in day and around 8 degrees at night. We have a fully enclosed duck house which I'm planning to lock them in at night and an enclosed pen for outside space. I'm thinking it's still too cold until their feathers come fully through

I moved mine outside at about 4 weeks because I couldn't tolerate the smell/mess inside anymore - so I completely understand. It was a little warmer for us at that point, and I gave them a heat source. They slept under it. (I watched them with a baby monitor camera!) I'm pretty careful with my ducks. Not just with safety but also their comfort and emotional well being. I also put a smoke alarm out with them that links to inside. Lol.

You might be fine to put them out, but I would be worried that they would be cold until they are fully feathered in another couple weeks.

Well done on the predator proofing!!