How cold is too cold for my ducklings??

[Gearhead846]

Hello,
I have 3 khaki cambell ducklings that are seven weeks old and fully feathered and have been outside for a couple of days even when it drops down to 25 but the weather forecast for where I'm at says that there is going to be a low of 0 degrees in the next few days and I need to know how much cold can my ducklings withstand so I can prepare beforehand.

Thanks for all of your help!!

 

[STACEYH]

I haven't had ducks but I would assume they should have a heat lamp. Not outside until they are fully feathered.

 

[STACEYH]

Ducks are just fine down to temperatures around 20 degrees, but below that they can suffer frostbite on their feet which could lead to amputation. In addition to the straw, wooden planks, benches or even low stumps in their pen will help the ducks get off the frozen ground and keep their feet warm.

 

[Quatie]

I dont have to deal with low temperatures where I live, but @Overo Mare @Daphne_loves_mealworms @shawluvsbirds all may be able to help you.

 

[Painted Calls]

@WVduckchick may also have some good input here.

I've never hatched in the winter, so I never had to worry about babies being out in the cold. However, I'd assume that if they are fully feathered, you'd treat them as if they were adults. Make sure they have a good shelter that blocks wind, some good bedding in the shelter, and a constant source of food and fresh water.

 

[Gearhead846]

@WVduckchick may also have some good input here.

I've never hatched in the winter, so I never had to worry about babies being out in the cold. However, I'd assume that if they are fully feathered, you'd treat them as if they were adults. Make sure they have a good shelter that blocks wind, some good bedding in the shelter, and a constant source of food and fresh water.

Yes they are fully feathered and have a coop that is full of shavings

 

[shawluvsbirds]

@WVduckchick may also have some good input here.

I've never hatched in the winter, so I never had to worry about babies being out in the cold. However, I'd assume that if they are fully feathered, you'd treat them as if they were adults. Make sure they have a good shelter that blocks wind, some good bedding in the shelter, and a constant source of food and fresh water.

This.
Once fully feathered they should be fine as long as they have adequate housing and some deep bedding.
I don't give mine swimming water in the winter when it's below freezing.
I also do not put water in the duck house. You want to provide deep bedding and draft free area in your house but still make sure there is plenty ventilation. I would not add a heat lamp because that is a fire hazard and will also create more moisture. The danger of frostbite has more to do with moisture than cold.

 

[BReeder!]

Yes they are fully feathered and have a coop that is full of shavings

I would lock then inside the coop for the worst of the cold, especially at night when it gets dog m down to the low usually but also during the day of its that bad.

By "full of shavings" you mean 3-4 inches deep? That's what you should have. Also if the shavings are compacted, fluff them with a pitchfork or something. If the shavings are wet, changing them before this coldest period.

Now I have adult rouens ducks in the Chicago area. I now live their door open constantly to a fenced in run. The run is not covered so snow is on the ground. I have 2 decks made out of fence boards for the ducks to get off the ground and keep a small heater in their kiddy pool. I also toss straw over the snow to make a wide path to the deck with the kiddy pool. And their coop/duck house has a thick layer of straw bedding. We get cold here - already had -9F before windchill - and my ducks are all fine.

 

[WVduckchick]

I agree with everyone else. Once they are fully feathered, they should be ok in the cold, but they still need guard against wind and possible frostbite. They will enjoy being in the cold and snow some, but they also need a place to get out of it.

Mine came out for a little while this morning, but later found spots in the sun to take a nap. It’s finally warming up now, so they are noodling in the snow. Lol

 

[sourland]

I agree with everyone else. Once they are fully feathered, they should be ok in the cold, but they still need guard against wind and possible frostbite. They will enjoy being in the cold and snow some, but they also need a place to get out of it.

Mine came out for a little while this morning, but later found spots in the sun to take a nap. It’s finally warming up now, so they are noodling in the snow. Lol
View attachment 2953418View attachment 2953419
View attachment 2953422

Ducks on a cold surface 'do' as these ducks are doing. They hunker down on their bellies and pull their feet up into their feathers. I have never had a duck with frost bitten feet, but live in an area that does not experience -F temperatures.