5 week old ducks, just put them outside.

[ScottyTerrier]

I have 5 week old pekin ducks and I just put them outside. We couldn't stand the smell as they get everything wet and throw their food around and it rots really fast. We put them in a small chicken coop with a plastic box with a hole in the side so they can have shelter but they don't seem to be using it. It is getting down to the 40's tonight and the rest of the week. Think they will be ok?

When did you put your ducks out?

 

[Ameraucanas]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/703089/how-to-keep-the-ducks-alive-during-winter I found this article, and I think that it will help you!

 

[ScottyTerrier]

Thank you Ameraucanas. I think I will build them a small shelter of their own before the more serious cold comes. They are in a small 4 chicken coop right now and I don't think they like their plastic container, which they will grow out of quick. I am not sure if I want to let them live in the garage on the floor, too messy for my taste. My wife suggests putting them with mom and dad duck but they are 8 month old adult ducks and don't want daddy duck harming the baby's.

 

[Carcajou]

ScottyTerrier.

At five weeks old ducklings should be at temps of 65-70 degrees. Also keep them from sudden temperature fluctuations and keep them dry. They can easily catch pneumonia and die. They should also be kept in an enclosed outdoor run until they are at least fully feathered and have access to their coop. There are lots of predators that like duck dinner.

 

[Amiga]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711


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

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

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

http://frankiemakes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/watering-solution-for-ducks.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/259876/do-your-ducks-have-water-at-night/10#post_13568197

post number 8 from this
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/959603/ducklings-getting-stuck-on-their-backs#post_14939819

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/969751/help-baby-ducklings#post_15125952

 

[ScottyTerrier]

Amiga: excellent collection of threads on what to do for their waterers.

So since I read carcajou say they need 65-70 temps, I went out and put a heat lamp in their little outside coop. I put a thermometer in there under the light and it read 70. I am hoping it stays warm enough tonight in there. I don't know I may have to bring them back in for a couple more weeks we will see

Now I am worrying they will get sick. :/

 

[Amiga]

Better you know ahead of time, ScottyTerrier. Myself, I tend to imagine the worst and try to keep them safe. Speaking of which - no fire hazard, right? Sometimes bedding has caught fire with heat lamps. Often it doesn't - but again, I'd rather you know, going in, what to watch out for.

Once they are grown, seems there is much less to worry about.

 

[ScottyTerrier]

I hope there is no fire hazard, but isn't there always a hazard with those big lights? I have it clamped on the coop good and the wing nut is cranked down, but I will probably put another clamp on there just to be extra safe. Went out this morning and it was a solid 69 degree under the light

 

[Carcajou]

I hope there is no fire hazard, but isn't there always a hazard with those big lights? I have it clamped on the coop good and the wing nut is cranked down, but I will probably put another clamp on there just to be extra safe. Went out this morning and it was a solid 69 degree under the light

How far is your light off the floor? 69 degrees sounds good. Reduce to 65 degrees for the next week and after six weeks keep them at 60 to 65 until well feathered. Don't let them get wet until well feathered especially this time of the year.

 

[ScottyTerrier]

Unfortunately there is basically no more room to raise the light. I will have to use smaller lights progressively. Also a good chance the temperature will drop on its own and bring it down to 60 soon