We've been having a lot of melting/freezing action here the last couple of days and I noticed my Pekin pair looking a bit ratty. I caught the drake and yup, he's got hunks of ice stuck to him! Not major freezing, but definite ice drops on his chest, feathers, and back.
I brought them both in, let them sit in the heated back room for about five minuets, then went back and toweled them off. I paid special attention to the wings, since their so frail looking, and made sure it was only the outer layer of feathers that got wet.
Turn 'em loose again and their happy as can be!
I haven't noticed any serious problems (they shovel down food as quick as I can put it down, they forage like mad, and they have a nice warm house to go into) but I was a bit curious as to if icing of the feathers could be a major problem if not taken care of.
My ducks are obviously not migratory birds, but I'm curious nonetheless!
The chickens don't have so much as a speck of ice on them. They stay in their house till midday or so before coming out for lunch and some foraging. They HATE the snow!
I brought them both in, let them sit in the heated back room for about five minuets, then went back and toweled them off. I paid special attention to the wings, since their so frail looking, and made sure it was only the outer layer of feathers that got wet.
Turn 'em loose again and their happy as can be!
I haven't noticed any serious problems (they shovel down food as quick as I can put it down, they forage like mad, and they have a nice warm house to go into) but I was a bit curious as to if icing of the feathers could be a major problem if not taken care of.
My ducks are obviously not migratory birds, but I'm curious nonetheless!
The chickens don't have so much as a speck of ice on them. They stay in their house till midday or so before coming out for lunch and some foraging. They HATE the snow!
