When and at what age can ducklings be released outside and allowed to swim
To determine when to release and whether the ducklings can walk outside, you need to know the timing of the development of the bird. Possess information about the appearance of plumage, the required temperature range of walking. Transfer to the street will allow to grow healthy young animals suitable for breeding for meat, obtaining eggs, offspring. A gradual transition to a long stay in the open air, swimming in reservoirs increases immunity, promotes the growth of ducklings.
At what age can ducklings go outside
Birders, both beginners and experienced ones, 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 is time to take them out into the street. Indeed, in natural conditions, ducklings immediately begin to live in the open air, and at the age of several days they learn to swim, dive, and get their own food.
There is a certain logic in these arguments. Only one must not overlook the significant difference between wild and domestic birds, adapted to human feeding, breeding in an artificial environment. Therefore, we will sequentially consider all factors influencing the release period.
It is best if the ducklings are raised during the warm season. So the chicks will grow up faster, begin to feed on their own, and gain weight. In this case, already for 3-4 days, it is allowed to gradually bring the young to the open air during the day.
Release on water, if there are no contraindications, can be carried out at about one month of age.
At a temperature of 14 degrees (in some sources - 16), outdoor walking is simply necessary. It is believed that the chicks begin to fledge faster, better, if they previously had the opportunity to learn to swim, dive, and take water procedures. Yes, and weight gain, muscle mass in such ducks is more efficient.
What can affect the term?
Inexperienced farmers often make the mistake of moving their chicks to the street too early. This leads to fatal consequences, up to death from hypothermia.
It is recommended to consistently 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 later, when the young grow stronger (and it will be warm enough outside), they can be released outside.
