Backyard Poultry Forum

Hi everyone ! how long do ducklings need to be under heat? Many thanks

I think the experts will say three weeks.Mine are usually two weeks but this depends on the weather.I have ducklings at the moment and the weather has been very hot even at night they are three weeks old and have not had the heat for over a week .Hope this helps.

Thanks mine are 1 week old and they don't seem to want the heat except occasionally. I have been putting them outside in a cage during the middle of the day and they seem very happy

Tina, Depends on the breed also Muscovies tend to become dependant a bit younger than others . I think since they are normally larger (higher food intake) The smaller breeds a bit longer . By two or three weeks in summer months should be fine. Any luck with coloured GF's ? Martin

My last duckling was under heat for a week. He was outside from one week old ( summer here wouldn't consider it in winter ) during the day and back in his bed at night until he was 3 weeks old. He's now outside in an outdoor sheltered pen.

_________________
Those who say it cannot be done shouldn't interrupt the people doing it

Thread revival from 2007 .. but seeing as this is stickied...

The posts above say 2-3 weeks for ducklings under lights but given winter is just moving on and its still cold here in Melbourne (8-16C), the local breeder we just picked ours up from suggested 5 weeks minimum or until the chicks have a good spread of adult feathers for insulation.