Acclimating an Adult Duck back to Winter Temps - Advice Please

[3bird]

Just in case anyone is interested...because those girls sure are!

 

[llombardo]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Our decision to return Angus to the flock this morning is very much based on the fact that he just got a stellar check-up from the vet and is in great physical condition (very well adapted to winter already). It's also mild today and will be mild both tonight and tomorrow, which will give us a chance to assess how he is doing. We will watch closely and report back. Agains, we're very sorry for your loss. We know how hard that is. :-(

Thank you. These little creatures sure can steal your heart. I say this as I have 4 ducks in my bathtub. It's been a rough winter here.

 

[casportpony]

Just in case anyone is interested...because those girls sure are!

He looks happy!

 

[casportpony]

Thank you. These little creatures sure can steal your heart. I say this as I have 4 ducks in my bathtub. It's been a rough winter here.

 

[3bird]

Thank you. These little creatures sure can steal your heart. I say this as I have 4 ducks in my bathtub. It's been a rough winter here.

Yes they can! Our wee flock is sending love to yours!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Boy those girls have no shame when it comes to Angus throwing them selves at him. Lol they are an adorable bunch!!

 

[3bird]

Just a quick update: All seemed to go well for Angus today. This is how they spent a bunch of the afternoon:

This evening before dinner, we had a wee swim and a successful deployment and retraction!

Angus still seems a little overwhelmed by all the attention he is getting, but he's taking it in stride.

Thanks again to everyone for your help and support!

 

[PirateGirl]

I'd send him out at the warmest part of the day on a day you are home, so you can check on him. If he's acting normal, and not lethargic or shivering or anything, I'd probably just leave him out. Ducks are hardy. He will be happy to be back with the ladies. If you won't be home at all, then I'd aim for the warmest predicted day of the week.

 

[chickens really]

Angus is an almost two-year old silver Appleyard Drake who has been living inside for a couple days after a prolapsed penis incident, which you can read about here. After consulting again with the vet today, she said we could try moving him back with the flock since everything has remained normal. He is in great physical condition according to our vet based on his exam last week, and he is eating and drinking well (and ready to be back with his girls!).

The concern, of course, is two fold: 1) Will the problem present again when he is reintroduced to his girls, and 2) He's been living inside for a few days and it's cold out--how will he re-acclimate?

On the first question, time will tell. We'll observe and take the appropriate action (bringing him back inside if we have another prolapse). On the second question, what do you all suggest? He's been living in about 60F for the past few days, and this is what the forecast looks like for the next week:

View attachment 1688666
As you can see, after Monday, we're not expecting to get above freezing until next Sunday, but the overnight temperatures are pretty moderate except for Wednesday and Thursday.

Do we bring him out for just the day to start? Or given that tomorrow night is supposed to be pretty mild (30F), do we move him out with his girls tomorrow morning and let him stay out tomorrow night and through Monday and see how he does? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Definitely fine to go directly back outside...