I am new to this!! Please help!!

[themightysteph]

How would I house them in the winter? I live in Wisconsin and we have brutal winters. I do not have a garage so that's not an option or a basement. I want to keep all my animals happy and healthy. Also are there any recommended shots for ducks and chickens? I'm use to vaccinating my horses and ponies and was wondering about there care and vet needs.

Well I live in Oregon and we had record lows for the first time in 30 years last year and it was-10 and my ducks did fine. They will survive they reduce the blood flow to their feet so they don't freeze . U can put a heat lamp in there if u want to keep them a little warm. But I wouldn't worry about it too much I'm not sure about shots for them. U can always take them to a vet if u think something is off

 

[BaileyPaisley]

We're I live in Wisconsin it is known to get -50 without a windchill. I'm scared that they will freeze. I have been told that heat lamps are known for starting fires...would a portable heater work the same as a heat lamp? If it were to get into a -50 I would proboly bring them in my room and have them sleep in my dog kennel lol! My dad keeps saying just butcher them in the fall and I refuse! There my pets and I love them. I want them safe and warm.

 

[themightysteph]

We're I live in Wisconsin it is known to get -50 without a windchill. I'm scared that they will freeze. I have been told that heat lamps are known for starting fires...would a portable heater work the same as a heat lamp? If it were to get into a -50 I would proboly bring them in my room and have them sleep in my dog kennel lol! My dad keeps saying just butcher them in the fall and I refuse! There my pets and I love them. I want them safe and warm.

heat lamps can cause fires yes. But if it is out side in their coop box nothing touching it you should be fine . Now with propane birds are mor fragile with gases and perfume and other thing something like that could possibly poison them I'd go with heat lamp

 

[BaileyPaisley]

Can there feet freez?

 

[themightysteph]

well, im not entirely sure i know they can reduce blood flow totheir feet so the dont freeze but since i dont live in ur climate i cant give u a good answer. id say trial and error butidont want uto loose ur birds

 

[BaileyPaisley]

True. The summers are nice here so they won't have a problem. I am also worried about them swimming in the pond next to my house. It's not very sanitary and it's bottomless. We also live next to a river/pond that I would not like them to swim in. I'm just worried that they will get smoshed by a car or by my horses because when my horses run they don't really pay attention to things...

 

[themightysteph]

like i said ducks dont care what kind of water it is sewer or slues or muddy poopy water they will swim in it and drink it..(nasty i know) i wouldnt wory about them swimming when they are big they know when they r tired and will either sleep in the water or get out. the only time u worry about swimming is when they r little u just keep an eye on them when they seem tired take them out. if u dont want them swimming in those waters( it wont hurt them if they do) put a fence up.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Why not go to the Wisconsin state thread and introduce yourself and ask folks there what they do to keep their ducks/chickens safe for winter weather.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/245700/wisconsin-cheeseheads/47230

 

[taras.farm]

If your duck is growing bigger then the pekin and they are the same age....then it's a rouen for sure...Rouens grow faster and pekins grow faster than mallards...

You will hear their voices about 10-12 weeks. girls are loud and quack...especially pekin girls!...all boys sound like a raspy "try" or a cough kinda call. Pekins always call out when they see you coming! If your rouen ends up a boy...he will be an awesome pet...they are docile toward people but protect their girls nicely and are very devoted. All my rouen girls were way more active in the water when they were babies---just something i notice! Not too mention if the rouen is a male he will be big and beautiful.If it's a he is...by around 10 weeks his feathering will start to change (juvenile plumage) and you will see the feathers behind his eyes darken and sweep over his head...eventually green with a ring around the neck that won't connect. That single curled tail feather proves it by 4months on all breeds....but usually voice is pretty clear and you can make good guesses earlier...I always found pekins tough to sex....they always sounded loud to me LOL I hope you get 1 of each.Enjoy...they will keep you busy and entertained!

 

[marcbarsby13]

Have a duck question and didn't know which thread to ask. Have two drakes and a hen mallard. Hen laid 12 egg clutch and have had to separate drakes but they keep getting go her or her to them. Just got bac k from vacation and her nest is buried with an egg on top and what looks to be the start of another nest 20 foot away. We live in GA so itz into the mid to high 70's lately. Is she making a new nest? Has she abandoned her nest? Do I need to completely cage off my drakes BC there messing it up? This is her first clutch please help