New to owning ducks need help!!!

[Newt46]

What kind of heater should I use for my ducks pool? Also if anyone has any suggestions on what to do with them for the winter I would be very grateful. Also, I have this duck run I’m not sure if it’s a good size and I have a tarp but it doesn’t cover all
Of it and was wondering if I should get another one to keep the breeze out. They do have a little coop I built for them but it doesn’t close, it’s attached to the run, not sure if that helps.

 

[BunnyEberhart]

Pond heaters are not meant to heat the pond. They only keep a small hole in the ice melted to allow for oxygen to get into the water and gasses to vent out so the water stays healthy. Not knowing how cold it gets in your area I tend to use one rule to answer weather questions, "if you are worried about them being too cold better safe than sorry. Make sure it can be closed up so it is not breezy. Lots of dry hay for sleeping on and snuggling into. Do not use a heat lamp or heater as they often start fires. The ducks body and the hay are normally enough to keep a coop warm as long as it is a solid structure.

 

[Newt46]

It’s solid it just doesn’t have a door, but I wanted to tarp the whole cage run as well. I have a kiddie pool, I’m not sure what to put in that to keep it from icing over or getting too cold. I live in pa so it fluctuates

 

[DucksOhio]

If you can electricity to the duck area, a birdbath heater works well to keep drinking water from freezing.

 

[chickens really]

Once temps drop to freezing remove the pool. Provide swimming only on sunny warm days. Tarp the top and apply vapour barrier plastic to the sides to block out wind, rain and snow. supply straw only in one area and the house. Straw becomes wet and stinks quickly so needs cleaning regularly.

 

[Newt46]

Okay thank you so much! Now, I have one more question if anyone could answer, I went out this morning and found that my ducks wing had dried blood on it. I’m not sure what it’s from and I hope not a blood feather because I have no idea what to do for that.

 

[Weeg]

Okay thank you so much! Now, I have one more question if anyone could answer, I went out this morning and found that my ducks wing had dried blood on it. I’m not sure what it’s from and I hope not a blood feather because I have no idea what to do for that.

Could you grab her and inspect the area further? It may be a wound or a bloody feature, you will nee dot inspect her more to know what it is, and how to treat it.

 

[Weeg]

We used a waterer similar to this in the winter of your flock. https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Innovat...201287&sprefix=heated+poultry+,aps,313&sr=8-2

 

[Newt46]

I got them a couple weeks ago and they were already about 3 weeks if not older, and they have a come around a little more but still won’t let me touch them or anything so I can’t really examine it closely

 

[BunnyEberhart]

I got them a couple weeks ago and they were already about 3 weeks if not older, and they have a come around a little more but still won’t let me touch them or anything so I can’t really examine it closely

As old as they are you may never have ducks comfortable with human contact. they may come close to you, like mine do, but run away when you move toward them in any way. Also, like mine do. If you get them young enough you can get them to imprint to you but then they think they are a human not a duck and may not get on well with other ducks nor feel safe and secure with ducks. So i personally don't recommend this. Just keep trying to get close and pick them up often. This will help them see pick ups are annoying but not necessarily bad. They will still complain. I also try to carry them to a place that is a neutral spot, i use a hallway personally. So they can see a way out. I sit them on the floor, hold them firm and do whatever medical, check up, inspection, medication, what have you, is needed then let them go always talking gently and in my good ducky voice. That i am sure they just L O V E.