Ducks in the Winter

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Our ducks are more cold hardy than the chickens. They will happily bath in unfrozen water no matter the temperature, and will trot around in the snow eating it like it was grass. If they get cold they sit down and pull their chilly feet up into their feathers.

 

[DucksOhio]

Ducks are surprisingly hardy in the winter. I use straw. Keep the duck house clean and dry, with plenty of fresh water, and they will do just fine.

In the winter, mine really enjoy a lukewarm bath in a kiddie pool.

 

[ggiunta]

Ducks are surprisingly hardy in the winter. I use straw. Keep the duck house clean and dry, with plenty of fresh water, and they will do just fine.

In the winter, mine really enjoy a lukewarm bath in a kiddie pool.

Yes same here! I noticed no matter what the temperature is they run to their kiddy pool to have a brisk swim lol!! It makes them happy so I do t deny them it no matter what the temperature.

 

[ggiunta]

Our ducks are more cold hardy than the chickens. They will happily bath in unfrozen water no matter the temperature, and will trot around in the snow eating it like it was grass. If they get cold they sit down and pull their chilly feet up into their feathers.

Great thank you! We haven’t had snow yet, but I make sure their pen is clean and dry and they seem to be just fine. I didn’t know they would sit and pull their feet up if they are to cold. Mine tend to sleep standing on one foot. Thank you for educating me.

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Great thank you! We haven’t had snow yet, but I make sure their pen is clean and dry and they seem to be just fine. I didn’t know they would sit and pull their feet up if they are to cold. Mine tend to sleep standing on one foot. Thank you for educating me.

My drake sleeps on one foot too most times, but I’ve just noticed that if they get extra cold they pull their little feet up. The blood flow to their Feet is poor so it’s hard to keep them warm you know?

 

[Ratchnick]

My drake sleeps on one foot too most times, but I’ve just noticed that if they get extra cold they pull their little feet up. The blood flow to their Feet is poor so it’s hard to keep them warm you know?

I think you have that backwards. Ducks have a unique circulatory system in their feet so they can keep their body warm while their feet are cold.

 

[ggiunta]

As long as the are fully feathered, they don't need any additional heat or anything extra. Straw bedding I think help hold heat better. Plus it is softer on there feet. Apparently, shavings are hard on there teensy feet and to them if feels like standing on a hard board for ever.

Where did you read that pine shavings are hard on their feet? I searched everywhere and cannot find this info. Thank you

 

[Weeg]

Where did you read that pine shavings are hard on their feet? I searched everywhere and cannot find this info. Thank you

@KaleIAm has all the info on it. Thanks In advance @KaleIAm for the info on that! Her vet told her that since her ducks got bumble foot all the time. She can tell you about it. ☺

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

I think you have that backwards. Ducks have a unique circulatory system in their feet so they can keep their body warm while their feet are cold.

I apologize i wasn’t trying to purposely spread misinformation,I must have read that wrong somewhere or something, the more ya know! I will stand by the fact however that when they get really cold their feet go up in their feathers. At least that is my personal experience. NH winters can be pretty rough and it doesn’t stop the ducks from tromping around in the snow.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

As long as the are fully feathered, they don't need any additional heat or anything extra. Straw bedding I think help hold heat better. Plus it is softer on there feet. Apparently, shavings are hard on there teensy feet and to them if feels like standing on a hard board for ever.

Pine shavings can vary depending on where they come from.
I have gotten bags of shavings before that looked like they had little sharp razor edges on them.
I imagine if those were the kind you end up getting it's probably not too good on their feet.
Most of the time though it is soft and fluffy and I see nothing wrong with it.
I would say that all depends on the kind of pine shavings you are ending up getting.