Ducks struggling with the cold

[Kateespencer]

Ok, so I know I’ve read a ton of posts about how ducks do so well in the winter and we shouldn’t worry about them too much. We had our first super cold couple of days with a skiff of snow and my poor ducks really struggled. So I have 2 mallards one male and one female and they could barley walk in the snow. They could take a couple of steps and then laid down. It’s was about 14 degrees out with -2 windchill. I’m now very worried about them for the rest of winter. Thankfully we’ve had some pretty mild days but it’s only December and we usually get our big storms in the later months of winter. Can someone tell me if this is normal or are my ducks being dramatic!!??

 

[addctd2plnts]

They should be fine but I always give them an area that is out of the wind and has a thick bed of straw to sit and lay down in. It's mainly that they want a place out of the wind and it's nice to have resit from the frozen ground.

 

[Brooke_R]

Ok, so I know I’ve read a ton of posts about how ducks do so well in the winter and we shouldn’t worry about them too much. We had our first super cold couple of days with a skiff of snow and my poor ducks really struggled. So I have 2 mallards one male and one female and they could barley walk in the snow. They could take a couple of steps and then laid down. It’s was about 14 degrees out with -2 windchill. I’m now very worried about them for the rest of winter. Thankfully we’ve had some pretty mild days but it’s only December and we usually get our big storms in the later months of winter. Can someone tell

It’s normal for them to lay down when they get cold. I would think if they got too cold they would get in their coop (unless they’re stubborn like mine). I’ve heard they can handle down to 20 degrees and I’ve heard they can handle -20 degrees. I’m not sure which is true lol. Mine wouldn’t let me put them in their coop earlier this year and stayed on the pond when it was -5 outside but they were okay.

 

[ruthhope]

Ok, so I know I’ve read a ton of posts about how ducks do so well in the winter and we shouldn’t worry about them too much. We had our first super cold couple of days with a skiff of snow and my poor ducks really struggled. So I have 2 mallards one male and one female and they could barley walk in the snow. They could take a couple of steps and then laid down. It’s was about 14 degrees out with -2 windchill. I’m now very worried about them for the rest of winter. Thankfully we’ve had some pretty mild days but it’s only December and we usually get our big storms in the later months of winter. Can someone tell me if this is normal or are my ducks being dramatic!!??

From the photograph, it seems your ducks think they should be house ducks!! Mine hang around my patio doors and two -- the ones that were hand raised from small ducklings -- are in like a shot if the doors are left ajar in error. Your ducks probably are being drama queens about the cold in the hopes that you give in and let them inside for the winter!! ;-)

[I know nothing about raising ducks in cold winters -- my ducks and I live in Florida. ]

 

[Duckiiess]

It's starting to get cold in upstate NY too.. my ducks try following me inside sometimes, but they're fine out there. When they're actually cold they huddle together in the duck house sheltered from the wind/ snow.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They should be fine but I always give them an area that is out of the wind and has a thick bed of straw to sit and lay down in. It's mainly that they want a place out of the wind and it's nice to have resit from the frozen ground.

Mine have a choice they can stay outside and huddle behind things to keep the wind off of them, or they can go inside their coop. My Runners and Buffs do both. My Muscovy and Geese would rather stay out. Here there are plenty of places to get out of the wind. My chickens hang out under the woodshed.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Do you provide them with any straw? I clear snow and have straw paths. The ducks initially don't like the cold, but they will get used to it. Also, the laying down is their way of warming their feet.

Some good tips here: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/2013/12/cold-weather-tips-for-winter-duck-care.html

 

[Kateespencer]

They should be fine but I always give them an area that is out of the wind and has a thick bed of straw to sit and lay down in. It's mainly that they want a place out of the wind and it's nice to have resit from the frozen ground.

They definitely don’t like the wind. We leave the coop door open all day so they are free to get in and out as much as they want. I have 7 bales of hay in there coop. 3 making a u shape and the rest spread out around those bales. We feed them warm oatmeal at night to try and keep them warm through the night. I was wondering about a hot water bottle pack those rubber ones. I was thinking about filling a big one of the bottles and putting in the area between the bales so if they get cold they have that warm bottle to lay on if need be. What do think about something like that??

 

[Crazy Maizie]

They definitely don’t like the wind. We leave the coop door open all day so they are free to get in and out as much as they want. I have 7 bales of hay in there coop. 3 making a u shape and the rest spread out around those bales. We feed them warm oatmeal at night to try and keep them warm through the night. I was wondering about a hot water bottle pack those rubber ones. I was thinking about filling a big one of the bottles and putting in the area between the bales so if they get cold they have that warm bottle to lay on if need be. What do think about something like that??

Straw provides more insulation. Hay is more of a feed when it comes to animals. Plus, with ducks due to moisture itt tends to mold quicker. But, the bales might be ok. I'd just keep an eye on them and check for mold especially since its inside the coop.
They really don't need the warm bottles of water.
What are your average temps? Ducks can do well in -25 degrees F sustained temps as long as they are provided with shelter from the wind. Lower than that and they would most likely choose their coop over being outside. If they are choosing to go out, then they are fine.

 

[Kateespencer]

Straw provides more insulation. Hay is more of a feed when it comes to animals. Plus, with ducks due to moisture itt tends to mold quicker. But, the bales might be ok. I'd just keep an eye on them and check for mold especially since its inside the coop.
They really don't need the warm bottles of water.
What are your average temps? Ducks can do well in -25 degrees F sustained temps as long as they are provided with shelter from the wind. Lower than that and they would most likely choose their coop over being outside. If they are choosing to go out, then they are fine.

I apologize it is bales of straw not hay. It’s doesn’t usually get super cold here but it can get pretty chilly at times. This morning it’s 5 with a -5 wind chill. Mornings like this they seem to really struggle. We do leave the coop door open during the day so they can go in and out as much as they want. I think I’m just a worry wort