Ducks struggling with the cold

[Crazy Maizie]

We have all been there. I just do what I can to make them comfortable enough. It's up to them to utilize the accommodations. I put up straw bales for wind breaks only to see them sitting in the wide open area.

 

[Kateespencer]

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.

I’ve heard a couple different temps too. And sometimes I wonder if they are talking about a specific breed like the bigger Muscovy ducks. My mallards are just little guys and it’s just the 2 of them so they don’t have a bunch of ducks that can snuggle together to stay warm.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I’ve heard a couple different temps too. And sometimes I wonder if they are talking about a specific breed like the bigger Muscovy ducks. My mallards are just little guys and it’s just the 2 of them so they don’t have a bunch of ducks that can snuggle together to stay warm.

Mallards are actually more hardy than muscovy. Muscovy are originally from South America where temps never get this low.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

As far as research goes, I wouldn't trust blogs for certain information. Blogs are good for getting ideas for set ups and such. I'd go directly to sites that are .edu, .org, etc regular websites are generally there to generate revenue. I've even seen one site that keeps popping up when I look for info regarding poultry that all it does is steal info from other sites and it makes it look like it's the original author. So, you've got to be careful where you get your info.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Here's a good example of a well written article that is a .com. There are reliable sources cited. You don't always get that, but that is what I look for when needing certain types of info.
This article explains how ducks stay warm in winter and why their feet don't freeze.
http://askanaturalist.com/why-don’t-ducks’-feet-freeze/
The last paragraph:
"One thing I’ve often wondered about, is whether an animal like a duck is uncomfortable in the cold. We see them sitting on the ice, with their feathers fluffed up, and we imagine that they must be suffering. But maybe not. Our bodies tell us we are uncomfortable when we are outside the range of temperatures at which human beings are safe – say 15-25oC (60-80oF). We experience pain or other discomfort so we do something to get warmer if it’s too cold, or move to somewhere cooler if it’s too hot. But for a Mallard, sitting on ice is not dangerous. They don’t lose much heat through their cold feet, and their feathers keep the rest of their body toasty warm. There’s no reason for them to move or change their situation, so I’m guessing they don’t feel discomfort at all."


As well think of the downy feathers, coats utilize downy feathers to make it bearable for people to withstand extreme temps.

 

[Kateespencer]

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. They 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. ]

Oh theses ducks would come in the house in a second if we left the door open long enough to throw their fat little bodies over the threshold and honestly I would probably let them if it wasn’t for my husband. He’s a fun sucker

 

[Kateespencer]

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

Yes we do and I apologize in another post I said bales of hay but it’s actually straw. When it has snowed we put straw down in the run for them so they aren’t standing on the snow when they are eating and drinking. This is our first winter with ducks and we actually acquired them from our neighbors who realized they bit off more than they could chew in getting the cute little boogers from the local farm store. This is all new to us as well I just want to make sure I’m doing the best I can for them so they are comfortable.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

-What brand and %protein are you feeding?

-Does your coop have proper ventilation to allow the moisture to flow out and prevent their feet form getting frostbite?

-How deep is your bedding in your coop?

-Are your ducks outside or do you sometimes bring them inside your house?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Only thing I'd be concerned about is leaving water out that they could sit in over night with temps you are talking about. We had member years back that had a mallard who sat in his rubber bowl overnight and he was froze in it the next morning. He had frost bite really bad and was losing his leg the last we heard from her.

 

[Kateespencer]

Mallards are actually more hardy than muscovy. Muscovy are originally from South America where temps never get this low.

That’s good to know. I know they are much larger than my mallards. So sometimes I’m not real sure what breed they are referencing in the posts/articles I read.