How Cold is Too Cold?

[Tape]

Greetings,

It is getting really cold in Colorado of the late. I think the high temp for tomorrow is 10 degrees f, and in the low is something like -9. Is this too cold for ducks? I've kept ducks for three winters now, and the coldest its ever gotten has been about 2 degrees. They have a four sided coup, with chicken wire windows on the doors. It's not overly exposed, but its still pretty dang cold. Will they be ok? Or should I go and get a heat lamp for them?

Thanks

 

[JacinLarkwell]

When I had ducks, nights and early mornings could get to -15 before rising to a normal -7~ (farenhite) and they were fine. Seemed to handle it better than the chickens did

 

[3bird]

Greetings,

It is getting really cold in Colorado of the late. I think the high temp for tomorrow is 10 degrees f, and in the low is something like -9. Is this too cold for ducks? I've kept ducks for three winters now, and the coldest its ever gotten has been about 2 degrees. They have a four sided coup, with chicken wire windows on the doors. It's not overly exposed, but its still pretty dang cold. Will they be ok? Or should I go and get a heat lamp for them?

Thanks

What breed are your ducks? How big is the duckhouse and how many ducks? Are there shutters or glass/plexi to cover the windows from the prevailing wind? What is the run like? Is there wind protection?

I would NOT add a heat lamp. If you are going to add supplemental heat, I would go with a radiant or infrared heater (we use Sweeter Heater). Having said that, as long as the duckhouse is draft free, well ventilated and had good dry bedding, they should do fine.

 

[Ratchnick]

As long as they can stay out of the wind they will be fine.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

i just leave my windows cracked an inch or 2 when it is super cold, seems to be fine, i was worried earlier this year, but days at 0 and nights at -12 they have survived just fine. i double up on their bedding and put straw outside for them to nest in and get off of the ground.

 

[3bird]

We also add corn to their soup on cold evenings and toss some cracked corn in with their grain.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

We also add corn to their soup on cold evenings and toss some cracked corn in with their grain.

whats the corn for?

 

[DucksOhio]

We don’t quite have the winter that you do in Colorado, but it’s been below freezing here for weeks and weeks. my ducks generally stay in side this barn, and I get them out for a couple of hours so I can clean their barn and let them swim in the kiddie pool.

I’d be concerned about drafts in your situation if you have windows that are not covered. You could put tarps over them, you would still have plenty of ventilation.

Fresh water, food, deep bedding kept clean and they should be fine.

 

[3bird]

whats the corn for?

We use a little corn as a high calorie boost when it's extra cold, but it's too high in carbs to be a regular part of their diet. While I know others use it to help with overeating in cold weather, our ducks generally eat less when it's cold.