How do you Keep ducks in the winter ?

tactilecontact said:

Thanks. Although, I'm sure they wouldn't be happy with our amusement. I'll ask my husband where online he found the plans for the heater and post the link later tonight. It's basically just a 'hot air rises' kind of thing, nothing special. But it's worked to add some additional heat on the sunny days... which we haven't had many of in the last couple of weeks.

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Neat! TIA.

Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday as planned, husband took a bit to track down the link. He thinks it's this one:

https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2007/04/26/almost-free-garage-heat-just-drink-a-lot-of-soda/

He changed up the size, obviously, and used tempered glass instead of plexi because he gets it cheap at work, and he spray painted the entire thing in matte black. Also made the interior slightly larger to accomodate some foam insulation sheeting too. There are several other variations on the plans, like adding a small pc fan to the outlet at the top.

tactilecontact said:

Sorry I didn't get back to you yesterday as planned, husband took a bit to track down the link. He thinks it's this one:

https://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2007/04/26/almost-free-garage-heat-just-drink-a-lot-of-soda/

He changed up the size, obviously, and used tempered glass instead of plexi because he gets it cheap at work, and he spray painted the entire thing in matte black. Also made the interior slightly larger to accomodate some foam insulation sheeting too. There are several other variations on the plans, like adding a small pc fan to the outlet at the top.

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No worries! Thanks for following up.

My ducks have a nice sized house with plenty of straw, food and a 3 gallon waterer. We put a heat light in there to keep it warm enough to keep the water from freezing. If I don't close them in, I worry that they won't go in on their own. I live in Northwest Ohio and it's been in the 20's the last few nights. We do close them in if it gets in the teens but the sure make a lot of noise when we make them go inside! Is it necessary to close them in or should I let them decide?

duckluvr21 said:

My ducks have a nice sized house with plenty of straw, food and a 3 gallon waterer. We put a heat light in there to keep it warm enough to keep the water from freezing. If I don't close them in, I worry that they won't go in on their own. I live in Northwest Ohio and it's been in the 20's the last few nights. We do close them in if it gets in the teens but the sure make a lot of noise when we make them go inside! Is it necessary to close them in or should I let them decide?

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@duckluvr21 Welcome to BYC.

Not only will putting them to bed every night give you the assurance they are not out in the weather but will also keep them safe from predators who this time of year are looking for a very easy meal. And sitting ducks are high on the menu. So don't let them decide, we know what is out there just waiting they don't.

Make sure your coop isn't too warm for them,[If they have a nice safe secure house they really don't need heat.] also adequate ventilation especially around the roof to let out the humid air they create.

Their enclosure is completely surrounded in chicken wire with a hawk proof net covering the top so nothing can get in and they can't get out. In the summer and fall they are out all night with no problems. The heat lamp is mostly to keep the water from freezing. I just wonder if they're smart enough to go inside if they get too cold.

So far, I've noticed my ducks have been pretty good at judging for themselves if it's too cold for them during the day. Unless there's a bone-chilling wind, I leave their enclosure open for them to wander in and out as they please. With the wind though, I fear the interior losing what bit of extra warmth it may have. And I always lock them in at night; they go into their house at sundown on their own at it is, but just for added security, I lock the door, too.