winter on Runner ducks

runnersrunn

In the Brooder
8 Years
Dec 7, 2011
12
1
22
Hello all, I have 4 runners and live in northern WI. can anyone share with me what they feel the needs of these guys are for the cold winter? they have a house, well vented, a dry floor, I feed them pretty well.
anything I am missing?

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Sound like they are well catered for- but with the venting- just make sure it doesnt allow too much draft in. They can raise the humidity alot in a small space, but still need to have protection form the wind.

Extra feed may be needed in the winter months to make up for the lack of foraged food- but also since they are not ususally as active its not a huge difference. Will they be in the house all winter or is there a run attached to it for them? Do you have any plans to continue providing swimming water for them on occasions at least?


Oh and by the way...
welcome-byc.gif
Didnt notice that when I first read your post.
 
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Thanks.
their house is well sheltered and the doors are covered all but an inch or two at the top on both sides to vent, plus they have a box to snuggle into. they have a heated waterer and i change their swim water every morning with house tap water, so its a bit warmer. I do add in greens and eggs and whatever i have around. then they have chic feed and scratch out all the time to share with the chickens. they have a covered area to go into but they are free to wander outside, if they don't mind the snow. people have said be careful so their feet do not get cold. that may be on them, if they get cold they need to go inside.
did i miss anything?
 
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I put dry straw down on an area over the snow to help with the duckie feet situation. We're in New England and last year we had loads of snow to practice with!

welcome-byc.gif


And I'd just say watch your ducks. Their body condition and activity, and how they carry themselves will tell you volumes about how they are doing.
 
I think you have it just right. You should have some happy duckies. I think the cold does not bother ducks near like the chickens. I live in Ky and winters are not all that bad here but we do get snow.. I have not lost one yet to cold.. just keep enough unfrozen water for head dunking and a dry shelter and you are good to go...

Your duckies are CUTE!!

I am going to add some runners to my flock in the spring if I can find a SQ breeder to buy some eggs from..

Jamie
 
I have 10 baby runner ducklings that are 3 weeks old, heat lamps seem to be a popular item in the chicken house these day's with temps 17 degrees and lower. I also have 3 runner ducklings that are 2 months old. They insist on being with the adult runners, and I am worried it's too cold for them. Will they be ok, if not under a heat lamp at night? They run with the adults during the day.
 
I think it's probably alittle cold for the 3 month olds at night. Depending on how warm your duck house is with all the grown ups inside. I think this is one of those situations where you should use your best judgement. If it seems like they would be comfortable outside then feel free, But on colder night it sounds to me like they need to be kept in with the ducklings.
Emily
 
Im concerned about winter temps and my new baby ducks as well Born Oct 16th, I have a heat lmp on at the coldest part of teh night say between 930pm and when I leave for work at 8am. seems ok at this time but doesnt get as cold as long as often as you home.
 

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