Ducks eating less when it's hot?

[ducksanddoxies]

So it's hit 90 degrees the past several days here in south Arkansas and I've noticed that my eight week old ducks aren't eating as much. I'm giving them gamebird starter and then fruits and veggies as I have them. They also have lots of worms and grubs and dirt where they are. They are totally ignoring any greens i put out and have had leftover feed in the afternoons. Is it just too hot to eat?

 

[Amiga]

It could well be.

I put greens in fresh cool water and my ducks always like that.

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

Maybe.

I've noticed that my ducklings' appetites lessen after 8 weeks... but before that they eat... and eat... and eat! Their growth rate might be slowing down around 8-9 weeks. However, I can't imagine them wasting fruits/veggies, especially greens. What kind of fruits/veggies do you give them?

 

[Going Quackers]

Could be, when it's super hot most animals will conserve their energy. That said, you could try floating lettuce in a bowl of water! (or pool) they will LOVE that.

 

[ducksanddoxies]

I tried celery greens in water yesterday evening, they hadn't touched it before I finished out there. Gonna make the ice cube with greens in them,mint and maybe peas cause they love em today. They have plenty of shade and a pool and aren't panting. Just making sure they are ok.

 

[ducksanddoxies]

They had eaten the rest of their feed and the celery greens when I went out this morning.