Will my ducks be okay outside? I'm a worried duck mom.

[lyssi]

Hey! I was wondering about finding ways to calm myself down, since I keep freaking out everytime I put my 19 day old ducks outside. They don't know how to climb the ramp that goes into their dry and cozy house part of the coop, so they stay down in the bottom of the coop where the grass, food, and water is. Will they be safe until I can get some grippy turf to put on the ramp? (Turf to help them get up!) There is a hidden part under the coop where they can hide but I'm still worried since I'm naturally a paranoid person. How do I know if they are really okay? Do they need a light of some sort at night? Ugh the questions and worries keep coming!! The 19 day old ducks aren't fully feathered, but it's normally warm around where I live (Louisiana). What happens if it storms one night? Will the coop get struck by lightning? Thanks for your advice!

 

[sourland]

Is the pen predator proofed with a cover?

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I would predator proof the pen, and make sure they are locked up at night.

 

[lyssi]

Is the pen predator proofed with a cover?

I'm not sure if there is a specific type fo predator proof method, but all I have is a backyard coop that has chicken wire around any areas where things could get in. The coop is made of wood, and the roof is made out of asphalt.

 

[lyssi]

I would predator proof the pen, and make sure they are locked up at night.

So the metal wouldn't get struck by lightning in storms? That's my main concern since I have an old metal swing set in my backyard as well, and I'm afraid it might attract more lightning. and hit the coop.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

So the metal wouldn't get struck by lightning in storms? That's my main concern since I have an old metal swing set in my backyard as well, and I'm afraid it might attract more lightning. and hit the coop.

That is an interesting question. I never thoughts of that. Lol.
Is the swing set next to the coop?
If it’s further away, then the swing set, being higher, would attract the lightning first. Theoretically.
My coop and run have a metal roof. So far no problems.

 

[SolarDuck]

So the metal wouldn't get struck by lightning in storms? That's my main concern since I have an old metal swing set in my backyard as well, and I'm afraid it might attract more lightning. and hit the coop.

Chicken wire isn't really reliable, predators can usually tear it easily hardware cloth is a better choice. I personally wouldn't be worried about lightning but that's just me. As long as your babies are warm and safe.

 

[Yardmom]

They do not need a light if your temperature is warm enough. Can you guide them into something where predators can not get them for the night.

 

[addctd2plnts]

Chicken wire will be breached right away, and ducks will be killed. 1/4" welded wire hardware cloth is the best way to go to keep out snakes and larger predators. Remember your ducks are like you walking down the meat isle to a predator. That predator has all night to dig and bite through the wire. Make sure you read the articles here on how to predator proof your babies. I ordered mine though Academy Fencing because they are often out of good hardware cloth near me. They have rolls of up to 48" high and 100 ft long. https://weldedwirefence.com/welded-wire/mesh-size/1-4inx1-4in-mesh-size/ Just saw they even have 1/8" hardware cloth. I may use that over vents to keep snakes out of their house. Black Racer Snakes can climb anywhere here and they fit through tiny holes. Neighbor found a 6 ft one inside her hallway the other day! I think it was on here where I read a sad story about somebody that left the coop door OPEN during the day. The snake got inside and she locked her poor chickens in with it all night! They were so terrified they didn't want to use the house again. It made me vow to never leave the coop door open and to check it every night before I put my babies away....

 

[lyssi]

Chicken wire isn't really reliable, predators can usually tear it easily hardware cloth is a better choice. I personally wouldn't be worried about lightning but that's just me. As long as your babies are warm and safe.

Oops I meant hardware cloth. I get confused between the two. Also, I have a wooden fence that no one/no animal has got through yet. Thanks by the way!