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Peking ducks in winter

post #1 of 7
1/20/13 at 4:53pm
Thread Starter 

We have 4 week old Peking ducks in the bathtub along with Cuyogas - the same age.  There are 8 all together.  We had no

idea how fast they would grow.  Even with changing the hay out every day, I am concerned about the health and cleanliness.

We have a wonderful pond, but the temperature is supposed to be in the single digits tomorrow.  With at least 6 weeks of

possible cold weather, we just don't know what to do with them.  Can anyone offer any suggestions - without telling us how

stupid we were?  Thanks

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post #2 of 7
1/20/13 at 4:58pm
I have a peking outside and we are in NC. She has a house but sometimes doesnt even sleep in it. She also goes in the pool when its cold!!! I cannot imagine but i think they handle the cold well. She is 8 months old . Where are u? They will also huddle together

Married to a very Patient Husband, Proud mom of 2 children (12 yr son & 16 yr daughter),  3 Araucanas, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Blue Wyandottes, 1 Delaware, 2 Top Hats, 2 New Hampshires, 1 Bullmastiff, 1 Rat Terrier, 1 Sheltie mix and 1 pitiful toothless Chihauhau rescue

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Married to a very Patient Husband, Proud mom of 2 children (12 yr son & 16 yr daughter),  3 Araucanas, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Blue Wyandottes, 1 Delaware, 2 Top Hats, 2 New Hampshires, 1 Bullmastiff, 1 Rat Terrier, 1 Sheltie mix and 1 pitiful toothless Chihauhau rescue

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post #3 of 7
1/20/13 at 5:07pm

Ducklings cannot survive winter temps until they are fully feathered.  Thats usually 8 weeks. 

 

Have you built them a coop/house outside? 

 

A lot depends on where you are.  Below freezing temps in winter require more elaborate housing.  If you are in a more temperate area, they still need wind breaks and a shelter from rain and predators.

 

welcome-byc.gif

DOGS: 4 Shih Tzu, 1 Papillon, 1 Great Pyrenees

CHICKENS: 1 BO, 2 EE, 2 WLH, 10 blue and splash JG, plus various aged JG, BO, JG/BO and JG/EE chicks, and 8 meaties.   

DUCKS: 20 Muscovy ducks: 5 adults, 7 juveniles and 8 ducklings.  6 Pekin ducklings

 

Some threads started with basic info.

Picking a duck breed, where to buy, what genders to get

Raising and caring for ducklings

 

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DOGS: 4 Shih Tzu, 1 Papillon, 1 Great Pyrenees

CHICKENS: 1 BO, 2 EE, 2 WLH, 10 blue and splash JG, plus various aged JG, BO, JG/BO and JG/EE chicks, and 8 meaties.   

DUCKS: 20 Muscovy ducks: 5 adults, 7 juveniles and 8 ducklings.  6 Pekin ducklings

 

Some threads started with basic info.

Picking a duck breed, where to buy, what genders to get

Raising and caring for ducklings

 

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post #4 of 7
1/22/13 at 7:05am
Thread Starter 

Our adult Peking is on our pond 24/7, but she is about a year old.  I'll be glad when these babies are old enough for that.

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post #5 of 7
1/22/13 at 7:11am
Thread Starter 

These babies (8 wks) are fully feathered, but don't look like adult feathers (very fuzzy).  We live in Wv and it was 7 last night and will be again tonight.  I guess we will stay in the big bathtub for awhile.  Your great pyrennes is beautiful.   We have 3 of them on our farm.  One of them actually went down to the barn (abt. 150 yards) and brought the adult duck up to our house.  He never hurt her - just liked to pick her up and keep her close.  She finally found the pond to keep him at bay.  They are awesome dogs.

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post #6 of 7
1/22/13 at 7:13am
Thread Starter 

Does anyone have plans for a floating nest house to keep predators away?

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post #7 of 7
1/22/13 at 2:05pm

Winter should be no problem for ducks over 8 months a year preferably. Duckling must be kept warm either by thier mothers of kept indoors as they cannot remain warm and will die. Adult ducks can be supplemented with a nice thick layer of hay which can make a comfy warmer bed.

My ducks in thier first snow and when i touched there feet they were warm even thoe they were walking about in snow. They are a year and half old

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gxFF2j_9Eo&list=HL1358891847&feature=mh_lolz

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