[darrena]

Hi,

I have two 30 day old welsh harlequin ducklings that will staying out side at night for the first time this weekend.
Should they still have food and water available round the clock or can I stop giving them food at night from when they go outside, I know that ducks generally dont need food or water at night but just unsure this applies to them when ducklings still.

My other question relates bed time, I am looking to free range the ducks during the day just locling them up at night in their house.
During the week I am at work between the hours of 7.30 and 6pm, just wondered what people do when the nights draw in during the winter when its dark at 4.30.
Surely there is a risk of foxes as soon as it gets darK? and my run has no cover?

[Kate and her Ducks]

Mine don't have water and food at night providing they are being let out first thing. If they have food they MUST have water although water by itself is fine.

Yes there is a risk of foxes in the evenings as the days draw in. It is one I have decided to accept as keeping them in all through the winter would not be fair on mine in the protected run they have so they free range through the day till I get back. I never leave mine out over night and they are locked up securely as soon as I get back in the evening if it is after dark.

[darrena]

Thanks Kate,
What first thing for you? is 7-8 am ok?

Also they would only be left out late 2 nights a week when my wife is not home

[Kate and her Ducks]

Mine are let out between 7 and 8 too. Luckally I can leave their house door open if it is going to be later and they can let themselves out into the locked run. Don't routinely doo that as in the summer they start shouting to be let out into the garden at about 5am which might test my neighbours patience!

[darrena]

should I be limiting how much the ducks swim at 5 weeks? as they just won't get out of their pool!

[Kate and her Ducks]

NO, leave them to it as long as it is shallow enough fro them to get out whenever they want.