Cayuga feathers iced over

[Michelin]

That’s a good idea. I used a pet heating pad in broody cave (i think that’s what it was called!) instead of a heat lamp when they were little and I could put that out there again. After she preened awhile ago I thought she was looking a bit better, but then she lay down in the snow and looks like a ghost now, it’s stuck to her even worse. My husband thinks I’m worrying too much...

 

[NatJ]

Well, she won’t go near it. And it’s one of those that they have to sit on it to feel the warmth (I tried holding her on it but she left as soon as I let go). She seems fine, but uncomfortable. She keeps shaking her wings and her tail feathers, flapping around (looks clear under her wings!) and spending lots is time drinking and trying to preen. But some of her feathers are now bent like they’re broken, with ice chunks hanging of them.

In that case, it might be best to bring her somewhere warmer for a bit, maybe an hour or two, so she can get de-iced and put her feathers in order. And of course provide water and her usual food, so she can snack while she's working on the feathers.

If you've got a garage or basement that is above freezing but cooler than your house, I might try putting her there. Otherwise, the house might be your only option for letting her get thawed out. I don't know how late it is where you live, but I'm thinking she will probably sleep better tonight if she isn't icy.

 

[Jlw0903]

Hello, we’re new duck owners, our 4 Cayugas are 7 months old (3 hens and one drake). Today it has dipped to -20 F for the first time, and while 3 of them are fine, one of our girls (Inca) is all ice covered. I’ve read all the threads I can find on it and I still don’t know what to do. Yesterday it was -10 and sunny and they acted like it wasn’t even cold. They did seem to be picking on Inca though, ostracizing her.

I don’t know what to do. Some places say they’ll be fine, others say bring them in and warm them up till the ice falls off, others say don’t bring them in because going back outside when it’s so cold will be such a shock. Aaaahhh. Any advice? Right now she’s preening in the sun by herself while the others are over eating and drinking (before yesterday they moved as one).

Looks like the dumby went for a swim. (My rouens do that from time to time, my cayugas wont tho). Can you find an area that wont be TOO warm for them such as a garage, shed or barn that is at least semi inclosed keep them warm and that them out? Alternatively if you can devise a way to get them water that they CANT SWIM IN might be a good idea when its that cold. I am not sure how to do that however since mine will try to climb in just about.anything. I understand the fear of cold/temp shock but at -20 i worry about frost bite in my sweet ones (mine are in the garage where it is about 40 degrees.) Ducks are pretty hardy but i think -20 is a bit much

 

[Michelin]

Looks like the dumby went for a swim. (My rouens do that from time to time, my cayugas wont tho). Can you find an area that wont be TOO warm for them such as a garage, shed or barn that is at least semi inclosed keep them warm and that them out? Alternatively if you can devise a way to get them water that they CANT SWIM IN might be a good idea when its that cold. I am not sure how to do that however since mine will try to climb in just about.anything. I understand the fear of cold/temp shock but at -20 i worry about frost bite in my sweet ones (mine are in the garage where it is about 40 degrees.) Ducks are pretty hardy but i think -20 is a bit much

Oh and in case you didn’t see my update earlier in the thread, we did bring her in the garage and she thawed out pretty fast. I’m wondering if she’ll just ice up again tomorrow though.

 

[Michelin]

Well, she won’t go near it. And it’s one of those that they have to sit on it to feel the warmth (I tried holding her on it but she left as soon as I let go). She seems fine, but uncomfortable. She keeps shaking her wings and her tail feathers, flapping around (looks clear under her wings!) and spending lots is time drinking and trying to preen. But some of her feathers are now bent like they’re broken, with ice chunks hanging of them.

 

[Ratchnick]

If you get a day when its sunny and above zero (preferably above 15) you can put out a bath and that will get the ice off if they feel like bathing.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sounds like her feathers aren’t very water proof if she’s the only one doing the icing. Another reason to keep her out of water. I have heated buckets and I have to cover half to keep mine from climbing in.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That's great news! You may never know for sure but sounds pretty reasonable. They can be pretty nutty about water.

 

[Michelin]

And I don’t know why it’s under hatching, I can’t even figure out how to delete this post and put it in the right place!

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

And I don’t know why it’s under hatching, I can’t even figure out how to delete this post and put it in the right place!

You can't delete posts. I think you have to be PFM. Or staff. Not sure.