From Fluff to Feathers: Duckling Growth & Outdoor Transition Timeline
🦆 Duckling Feather Growth & Outdoor Transition Timeline
🪶 When Do Ducklings Grow Feathers?
Ducklings don’t just grow—they transform. And sometimes they look a little rough while doing it. Here's a general timeline so you know what to expect:
🐥 Weeks 1–2: Down-Only Stage
Your ducklings are all fluff—no feathers yet, and not waterproof. They’re cute, tiny, and ridiculously tempting to pick up every five seconds.
🐤 Weeks 2–4: Pinfeathers Appear
Waxy little spikes will start to show up, mostly on the wings and chest. These are pinfeathers—the start of real feather growth.
🦢 Weeks 4–6: Feathering Out
You’ll see a lot more feather development over the body and tail. It might look a little patchy (that’s normal). Feathers usually start on the wings, then work their way across the chest and back.
🐓 Weeks 6–8: Nearly Grown
That fluffy down is just about gone. Your ducklings will start regulating their own temperatures and preening to waterproof their new feathers.
🍂 Weeks 8–12: The First Molt
Just when you think they’re done being weird, they go through a juvenile molt. Expect loose feathers everywhere. This is when they shed their first set and grow in their adult plumage. In many breeds, this is when the drakes start to show their colors.
🌤️ When Can Ducklings Go Outside Full Time? Tips for a Smooth Transition
Now that you’ve made it this far, you might be wondering when it’s finally time to reclaim your house. We get it—you’re tired, your floors are sticky, and your kitchen smells suspiciously musky. So when can your ducklings move outside permanently?
⏳ The 6–8 Week Feather Rule
Ducklings can move outside full time once they’re fully feathered, typically between 6 and 8 weeks old. That means feathers on their chest, back, wings, and tail. They should also be preening regularly, no longer need supplemental heat, and be regulating their own body temperature.
🌡️ Watch the Weather
We’re in the East Mountains near Albuquerque, where it’s not unusual to have 30+ degree swings between day and night. Even when it’s blazing hot during the day, nights can dip into the 40s. You’ll want consistent nighttime temps over 50°F (60°F is even better) before moving your ducklings out full time. Also, beware of monsoon season—rain and thunderstorms roll in like clockwork.
Make sure your outdoor shelter is draft-free (but still ventilated), has weather-appropriate bedding, and can provide shade and water during the hot hours. Our coop has closeable upper vents—open in summer, closed in winter. It's made a huge difference.
🛠️ How to Transition Ducklings Outside Safely
Don’t just throw them outside and cross your fingers. Start with short supervised outdoor time—just 1–2 hours a day. Gradually increase it over the next week or two. By weeks 6–7, they can be out most of the day but should still come in at night.
Once they’re outside full-time, do one last coop check: predator-proof, protected from wind and rain, draft-free but ventilated, and stocked with food, water, and grit or oyster shell as needed. You’ll want to keep a close eye the first few nights to make sure everyone is warm, dry, and actually going inside.
Pro tip: Use treats to lure them in at bedtime. Duck bedtime routines are a game-changer.
And hey, if they’re not ready by 8 weeks? That’s normal too. Some breeds (especially heavier ones) feather out slower. Like kids, ducks develop at their own pace—don’t rush them.