When to take the ducklings outside?

[beckybogart89]

Hi everyone! I got two ducklings unsexed and mystery breed at TSC about 5 weeks ago, and I am trying to figure out when would be te best time to move them from their heated brooder to their outdoor run. It has been a but chilly here in va, in the 50s and 60s and I want to make sure it won't be too cold for them and that they are ready. Any suggestions appreciated!!

 

[Drea07]

I'm curious to know as well.

 

[buff goose guy]

i wouldnt put them outside till 3 or 4 weeks. then they would still need heat in the coop if its still cold

 

[lbunkie]

These are my Duckies, we got them last Sat. And having a BLAST, they think I'm momma.
They are messy little turds. The sun is out and a light breeze.
Don't know if they still need direct heat in house still or not.
Not sexed, don't know age or kind

 

[DucksAndGardens]

Mine are just starting their 5th week and I have them outside in the daytime to free range in the front yard but they still come inside at night. I won't put them in their duck run at night until either they have more feathers or it doesn't get below 60.

 

[lbunkie]

Our first time in grass

 

[localife]

I moved mine out at 4 weeks because there are 10 of them and the risks of being cramped inside seemed to outweigh the risks of going out. What I did was surround the perimeter of their outdoor pen with straw bales, put a bit of plywood over one of the corners as a hiding nook, and hung a 250 watt bulb from the ceiling of the pen. It was in the low 40's and unexpectedly windy when they first went out, but with the straw bales and the hot light, they were just fine. I put the light on a chain so I could lower it at night and raise it during the day.

I'm glad I moved them out, not only because they were getting cramped inside, but they are also feathering out at somewhat different rates and the large space outside allows those with more feathers to move further from the heat, while those who are still a bit fuzzy can stay right under it if they want.

 

[LadyIsadora]

I moved mine to their outside pen at about 2 1/2 weeks. there are 12 and they were getting cramped and stinky inside. they have two heat lights, a lot of straw and a doghouse. They have been fine. I let them out in the yard at 3 weeks for a few hours every day. As long as the sun is shining (its about 60 degrees) and its not too windy. They are supervised constantly. We had a snow storm blow through here a few days ago and I would not let the little ones out. Boy were they upset! They cannot regulate their body temps. very well at this stage so I wont let them get rained on or snowed on and the door to the pen is open and the lights left on if they want to go inside to get a bite or get warmer. I have two ducks that are two months old. They loved the snow!