Old Duck Problems

[skunknchatter]

So my one Indian Runner duck, Norm, has been living with my chickens since he was a duckling. He is 9 years old this year and we're running into a few problems. The biggest one is that, now that he's older, he doesn't seem to be able to navigate the narrow ramp up into the coop. He's always gone in and slept with the chickens but now he just stares at the ramp and won't attempt it.

I've given him a small dog house on the ground filled with straw to sleep in (has been in the coop for him to use for the last two months) but he won't go in it. Instead he sleeps out in the run in the weather.

Do I build him a wider "duck friendly" ramp? Do I just let him do his thing? We get down to -18* or so some nights in January and at 9 years old I'm afraid sleeping out on the cold ground will do him in. Thanks in advance.

 

[casportpony]

Try a wider, longer ramp that's not as steep.

 

[chickens really]

So my one Indian Runner duck, Norm, has been living with my chickens since he was a duckling. He is 9 years old this year and we're running into a few problems. The biggest one is that, now that he's older, he doesn't seem to be able to navigate the narrow ramp up into the coop. He's always gone in and slept with the chickens but now he just stares at the ramp and won't attempt it.

I've given him a small dog house on the ground filled with straw to sleep in (has been in the coop for him to use for the last two months) but he won't go in it. Instead he sleeps out in the run in the weather.

Do I build him a wider "duck friendly" ramp? Do I just let him do his thing? We get down to -18* or so some nights in January and at 9 years old I'm afraid sleeping out on the cold ground will do him in. Thanks in advance.

Wider ramp he possibly has sight or joint issues due to his age...Best wishes.

 

[Amiga]

My nine year old Buff does better in winter with some turmeric added to her food. About a teaspoon per two or three cups of food. I moisten the food (I know some people worry about mold, but I do not put more food out than they eat in a day). Turmeric stains so be careful if you use it.