Entertaining ducks in the winter

[Fishkeeper]

Toys, treats, and let them decide if they want to go out. Just watch closely for frostbite. It's not the sort of thing that happens suddenly and will immediately kill them. It's gradual, and mild frostbite heals up well enough. Usually they're fine in below-freezing temps. A big heap of hay to nestle down into will help some.

 

[chickens really]

Hello. My Ducks are outside all winter. I provide a bed of straw out in my Run. They cuddle in it to warm up feet when needed. Frost bite won't happen. You can lock them in the Coop at night.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Only way I can think of any duck getting frost bite is if left to sit in a tub of water that may freeze over night unless of course you have Muscovy then there is possibility of frost bite on their fleshy faces. But a few years ago a member took in a Call duck[I believe] that had sat in his water dish all night that froze around him and he got severe frost bite a lot of us followed her thread for quite a while, he had lost at least one foot when she quit posting so yes frost bite can happen you just have to make sure if you live in areas that are prone to water freezing that they can not sit in any over night.

 

[a.graham52]

our ducks have been quite happy to be out of the coop in single digit temps. the willingly run out and into the woods line where they play in what is remaining of a run-off stream. i have had them come running for worms with a bunch of frozen water droplets all over them.

 

[cymbaline]

I have caught my ducks swimming in a partially frozen pool, I think it was 23 degrees at the time.
I've also had them find the only bit of unfrozen water in the creek, inside the culverts - the temp that time was in the teens.
Ducks are crazy, lol. You'll know if they're actually cold - they'll sit a lot and tuck their feet up. Usually has to be well below 20 degrees and not sunny, in my experience. I don't even really worry about them anymore unless it drops below low single digits, or the wind chill is terrible.

 

[Ducklingmum]

last year my little lot stayed out during the day in all weather, a couple of times they had frozen droplets on tips of wings. they had the option to go inside thier run but didnt. and they do have an enclosed straw filled bed they are shut in at night.
here in the UK we don't quite get the winters of USA or Canada but recently it's been 4 degrees Celsius but wind chill of -5. do you think I should shut them in the run?

 

[Fishkeeper]

If they're choosing to stay out, they're fine.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I have just discovered the ultimate game for bored ducks, but I didn’t have my phone on me to get a video. It turns out, ducks enjoy playing with a laser pointer toy more than cats! I went to “tuck in” the ducks tonight and realized I had the cats’ toy in my coat pocket. I decided to see how the ducks would react. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Daphne move so fast! The ‘Scovies had a good time too. After they chased the red dot around for a bit, I sprinkled some mealworms around so that they could feel like they caught them. I promise to get a video this weekend!

 

[Jpat]

I have just discovered the ultimate game for bored ducks, but I didn’t have my phone on me to get a video. It turns out, ducks enjoy playing with a laser pointer toy more than cats! I went to “tuck in” the ducks tonight and realized I had the cats’ toy in my coat pocket. I decided to see how the ducks would react. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Daphne move so fast! The ‘Scovies had a good time too. After they chased the red dot around for a bit, I sprinkled some mealworms around so that they could feel like they caught them. I promise to get a video this weekend!

Haha sounds amazing!

i use a laser thermometer for my brooder and my quail chicks love it, So does the cats and the guinnea pig !

 

[CrystaBub]

Can’t wait for the video - this is going to be good!!!