Cold ducks & geese

[2dancingrats]

I know they aren't supposed to have a light on at night, but can they have an amber heat lamp? They live in the horse barn, which is insulated, but I can tell they are still very cold.

 

[purelypoultry]

They definitely can have a heat lamp but it is usually not neccesary. Geese and ducks are very cold hardy in general and just need a building, be well fed and watered, and some companion birds to stay warm.

 

[2dancingrats]

I've heard they are cold hardy, but when I see them stuffing their feet under their wings after every other step I'm pretty sure they're cold. We're expecting a high of 12 degrees today. Just don't know if anything could tolerate that. Thanks for your answer.

 

[destiny_56085]

It was 32 below 0 here last night with windchills 40-50 below. Daytime temps aren't supposed to be much over 20 below. Our ducks and geese are outside and refuse to come in. They have a couple run-in sheds and they would rather sit out by my horse trailer. Give them a windbreak, a heated bucket for open water, and a pile of straw or hay to sit in.

 

[al6517]

This sometimes happens when folks start to apply heat these breeds or shelter them when they don't need it and the birds never develop their winter Down feathers, if they are cold now which is highly unlikely remove all heat sources and their down will begin to develop faster, if you care for your birds let them develop naturally they will be better for it.

AL

 

[2dancingrats]

Haven't been guilty of applying heat but they do have plenty of shelter since they spend their nights in the horse barn (no horses). They go outside everyday, but mostly run in and out when its this cold. I wonder if they didn't develop winter down under their feathers because of their night time shelter.