Ducks in the stream all day with temps in the teens?

[tatswell]

My ducks free range all day and are always in the stream. Temps have been in the 20's and teens the last couple of days and it concerns me that they are in the stream all day in these temps. I would like to trust that they know what they are doing, but I just don't know. Your thoughts?

 

[Iain Utah]

Yep, they know what they are doing. The water temp is over 33F, so warmer than your air temp. This is also the time of year where predators will take more risks to catch prey in daytime, so they probably feel safer on water too.

 

[Carcajou]

Here is a photo of my ducks on our pond in cold winter weather. As Iain Utah says, the water is warmer than the air and with their natural insulation they are quite okay. Been in the single digits and teens the last two days with gusty winds and they spent the entire time on the water. Now that the sun is out, it is in the high 20s and the snow is melting, they are venturing out of the pond a little. Pretty typical action as they did all last winter as well.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Here is a photo of my ducks on our pond in cold winter weather. As Iain Utah says, the water is warmer than the air and with their natural insulation they are quite okay. Been in the single digits and teens the last two days with gusty winds and they spent the entire time on the water. Now that the sun is out, it is in the high 20s and the snow is melting, they are venturing out of the pond a little. Pretty typical action as they did all last winter as well.

very pretty pic.

 

[Carcajou]

Thank you, ML.