When ducklings can be released outside: at what age do chicks go into the water

To determine when to release and whether ducklings can walk on the street, you need to know the timing of the bird's development. To have information about the time of appearance of plumage, the required temperature conditions for walking. Transfer to outdoor content will allow you to grow he althy young animals suitable for breeding for meat, obtaining eggs, and offspring. The gradual transition to a long stay in the open air, swimming in ponds improves immunity, promotes the growth of ducklings.

At what age can ducklings go outside

Poultryers, both beginners and experienced, often argue: what is the optimal age for walking ducklings.There are many arguments for and against early release. Someone says that if the chicks are trying to quack, then it's time to take them outside. Indeed, in natural conditions, ducklings immediately begin to live in the open air, and at the age of a few days they learn to swim, dive, and get their own food.

There is a certain logic in these arguments. Only one should not miss the essential difference between a wild bird and a domestic bird adapted to human feeding, breeding in an artificial environment. Therefore, we will sequentially consider all the factors affecting the release period.

It is best if the growing period of ducklings coincides with the warm season. So the chicks will grow up faster, begin to eat on their own, gain weight. In this case, already on the 3-4th day, it is allowed to gradually bring the young animals into the open air during the day.

Release to water, if there are no contraindications, can be carried out at about a month of age.

At a temperature of 14 degrees (in some sources - 16) open walking is a must.It is believed that the chicks are faster, they begin to feather better if they had the opportunity to learn how to swim, dive, and take water procedures earlier. Yes, and weight gain, muscle mass in such ducks is more efficient.

What can affect the deadline?

Inexperienced farmers often make the mistake of starting outdoor chicks too soon. This leads to fatal consequences, up to death from hypothermia.

If the air has not warmed up to 14 degrees, it is strictly forbidden to take ducklings outside. It's better to wait until it warms up.

It is recommended to gradually accustom the bird to new conditions for it. First - floor cages (approximately 10 days of age), closely monitoring the behavior of the ducklings.At the same time, there are no drafts, cracks, open doors, windows. And only then, when the young growth gets stronger (and it will be warm enough outside), it can be released into the street.