My baby ducks light is so bright I don't know what to do

[hailey_marie]

So right now my ducklings are to young to be outside as they don't have any feathers yet and are barely 4 weeks old, so they sleep inside my room because my parents don't like how they stink, make a mess and are loud. I don't mind having them in my room, but there heat lamp is so bright I can't sleep at all, and I already have really bad insomnia so I don't know what to do. Can I turn it off at night or will they get to cold?? They have never been in the dark before so I don't want they to get scared about suddenly sleeping in the dark either...i don't know what to do

 

[sourland]

What is the outside temperature? Most likely they should be outside.

 

[KathiQuacks]

Welcome to BYC!

If they’re 4 weeks old, they shouldn’t need a heat lamp at all indoors anymore. They can withstand down to around 60 - 65°F now. They should be okay in the dark, don’t worry.

I agree if temperatures are good, they can move outside.

 

[hailey_marie]

What is the outside temperature? Most likely they should be outside.

It's between 80 to 100 but I'm concerned about the predators because we have a really really bad raccoon and possum problem. If they can be outside how do u recommend keeping those animals out

 

[sourland]

Well, they are going to have to go outside eventually. You will need to build/provide a predator proof pen and coop. Hotwire around the pen may be necessary.

 

[Miss Lydia]

It's between 80 to 100 but I'm concerned about the predators because we have a really really bad raccoon and possum problem. If they can be outside how do u recommend keeping those animals out

Do you already have a place for your ducklings outside a secure pen and coop?

 

[hailey_marie]

Do you already have a place for your ducklings outside a secure pen and coop?

Not right now my dad and I are going to get one this week but we have been trying to figure out what is best to keep them the most safe

 

[Miss Lydia]

This might help you and dad figure out what is best for your setup.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/
You def want them safe and secure so hardware cloth will be a must, ventilation is another very important issue. Don't use poultry fencing it will keep our ducks etc in but will not keep out predators. If possible make a duck house that you can stand up in, so much better to clean. Hopefully this link will give you some ideas.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/byc-coop-section-helpful-thread-index.206328/
another thing do you have a night light? you can put that in your room so your ducklings can get used to less light and hopefully you'll be able to sleep. I am like you I don't sleep well but I do have a night light in the bathroom right off my room and it doesn't keep me awake

 

[hailey_marie]

This might help you and dad figure out what is best for your setup.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/
You def want them safe and secure so hardware cloth will be a must, ventilation is another very important issue. Don't use poultry fencing it will keep our ducks etc in but will not keep out predators. If possible make a duck house that you can stand up in, so much better to clean. Hopefully this link will give you some ideas.

Thank you so much this will definitely help

 

[Miss Lydia]

Keep us updated on what you decide and we will help with any questions you may have.
What are the breeds/breed of your ducklings?