Cold Canadian winter ahead-HELP!!

[3cuteducks]

I have 2 runners and one pekin that are 11 weeks old right now. We have a secure pen and house but I'm worried about the cold weather ahead. I live in Ontario and the in the winter the temperatures can regularly reach -30 degrees Celsius. I'm worried about them already. Our duck house is made of plywood with vents at the top. we put Styrofoam insulation under the floor but that's it. Just plywood for the walls. Will they be ok? We would be devastated if they froze. We are planning to put lots of straw in, is that enough?

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC!

Hey, thanks for mentioning winter! Just kidding!

Ducks are very cold hardy, provide them with a draft-free, well ventilated, dry shelter and they'll fare fine.

Could you post a few pictures of their coop/inside?

 

[LateBirdFarms]

I have no idea about ducks and how they do in our weather, our chickens can handle it (to the point of having melt spots on the sides of the coop) but I'm not sure if ducks run as hot as chickens. One option is to add straw bales around the outside f the coop as insulation, but keep an eye out for rats, they like to make house once they find a cozy setup!

** And welcome to BYC!

 

[DukesDucks]

Hi from another duck lover in Ontario. I've had Muscovy's for just over a year now so have been through our winter with them. They have a wooden coop with an attached run, but also free range when I am home. Floor is off the ground and not insulated. I agree with LadyBirdFarms in that you don't want to make it too nice for others. Screened windows open all summer but also let in winter sun. I keep extra deep wood shavings on floor. I think one of the important things is preventing drafts. My ducks had no problems. Lots of fun watching them navigate in the snow especially their first landings when they realized snow is not as solid as it looks. Only issue was having to bring in water every night to thaw. People use duck feathers as down for coats and blankets for good reason. Ducks also have special circulation to their feet which is why we can see wild ducks swimming around frosty ponds. Good luck and welcome to byc.