How do you Keep ducks in the winter ?

[nonsuch]

We live in Wisconsin and I just saw heated buckets on sale at Fleet Farm. They started about $36 or $38 per bucket with the larger buckets more expensive.

 

[ChristineR]

Years ago, I had some Muscoveys that we bought from the real EB White. The female, Rita, would always disappear in October then emerge on the last day of October - always cold and blustery - followed by a dabble of babies. They stayed in our unheated barn during the winter with the chickens. The adults never had a problem with their feet, but one year I remember many of the babies got frostbite and lost their feet. We called that duck Stubby, and he was fine - lived for many years.

As opposed to the fake EB White? LOL Sorry. That's very cool. How'd that happen? What was he like in person?

 

[AKnewbie]

So now that snow is on the ground, I notice my ducks sitting a lot.
Is it to keep their feet warm?

 

[girls and guineas]

I was wondering about ducks getting in their drinking water when it is cold?? Will they stay out of the water if the temp is too cold??

 

[girls and guineas]

I meant if the outside weather is too cold--the temp--will it hurt the ducks if they get into their drinking water?? Seems like they would get frost bite, or freeze??

 

[Valntyn]

usually by 3-4 weeks my mamas are pretty much done mothering.

Our first/first time mama stood-up for her babies until they were about 11 weeks old. They're almost 15 now and she still hangs out with them, which is kinda cute. (I can't wait for another hatching -- that first was so exciting!)

All: I have read through this thread - One question; Do you make your Muscovys go in their pen each night?

We give ours the choice. Their fenced-in pen is attached to their shed, so they have the option. More often than not, ours will stay outside.

I meant if the outside weather is too cold--the temp--will it hurt the ducks if they get into their drinking water?? Seems like they would get frost bite, or freeze??

When we only had our first three ducks, their Winter water was only a heated dog bowl we changed a few times a day. Occasionally, I'd look outside and see one of them sitting in it (chest hanging over the front, butt hanging off the back). How that was comfortable, I'll never know, but they were always fine after, the goofs.

 

[Valntyn]

http://eccentricscientist.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/why-dont-ducks-get-frostbite/

That was a good read with a nice explanation -- thanks, Miss Lydia!

 

[Grassman 52]

I agree - good read and I learned something new - after all that's why I come to this site - to learn from people with the same interests

 

[ChristineR]

So now that snow is on the ground, I notice my ducks sitting a lot.
Is it to keep their feet warm?

I see mine doing that when it snows. They will walk around a bit in the snow, then all of a sudden, plop down. I've always assumed it's because their feet are either too cold or they just don't like the feel of walking on the snow and ice.

 

[ChristineR]

http://eccentricscientist.wordpress.com/2007/01/13/why-dont-ducks-get-frostbite/

Good post!