How To keep ducks from getting wet feather in winter?

[Miss Lydia]

They have a nice thick layer of down under their feathers. They are really hardy. Only thing is the wind when it's cold. Yeah my chickens roost up high so the ducks or goose can't mess with them. My Muscovy are in a separate coop.

 

[the_kitchen__drawer]

They have a nice thick layer of down under their feathers. They are really hardy. Only thing is the wind when it's cold. Yeah my chickens roost up high so the ducks or goose can't mess with them. My Muscovy are in a separate coop.

So if we’re not under wind chills, doyou think they will be okay in their enclosed and hayed bed area? Its so hard knowing when to put them in the coop, and when our hens need a heater, Etc.lots of disagreements lol

 

[raingarden]

Ducks don't get wet unless there is something wrong. A wet duck needs to come in for evaluation. They should be keeping their feathers oiled so water rolls off a ducks back.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So if we’re not under wind chills, doyou think they will be okay in their enclosed and hayed bed area? Its so hard knowing when to put them in the coop, and when our hens need a heater, Etc.lots of disagreements lol

What temps do you get in winter. We can get into low teens down to single digits and mine still have the choice to stay inside or come out. Using heat can be detrimental because heating the coop and getting them use to warmer temps and possibly losing power can make it worse for them. Plus the chance of a barn or coop fire is always a worry.

 

[the_kitchen__drawer]

Ducks don't get wet unless there is something wrong. A wet duck needs to come in for evaluation. They should be keeping their feathers oiled so water rolls off a ducks back.

Wet feather. I’m asking about avoiding it in the winter. they do not have i and I know it’s a problem if i happens.

What temps do you get in winter. We can get into low teens down to single digits and mine still have the choice to stay inside or come out. Using heat can be detrimental because heating the coop and getting them use to warmer temps and possibly losing power can make it worse for them. Plus the chance of a barn or coop fire is always a worry.

Usually low teens to mid 20s, but we can get down to singles. Our worst is usually 7. My brother is insistent that the hens need heat if its below freezing, but frankly I have no idea and I’d love to chane his mind if he’s wrong. Do you have a ramp into your coop? We do and the ducks usually avoid i, and thwe why I worry

 

[DukesDucks]

Similar discussion going on in duck forum under thread "Winter coop care". Members are so good about sharing information and experiences.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes it has a ramp it's about 3'wide and only about a foot off the ground where it meets the coop door. Mine has no problem with it. We also covered the boards with roofing shingles to keep it from being slippery.

 

[telandra2]

My ducks and geese are business as usual when it's 25f+ and get a feed tub to bathe in. Cement mixing trays are too big to dump with added ice weight. Between 25 and 20 they start to hunker down for warmth but still play with the ice and snow. Below 20f and they just huddle for warmth with no interest in bathing, but they still insist on being outside all day. When it was forecast to be below 20 for a week I put a half full tub inside the coop for much appreciated mid-week bath.