the standard ducks have never done this but the calls are new to me this winter. Lol. They otherwise seem fine, I think they’re just too close to the ground! 
that is love: turn down service for ducks
I completely agree, but need to add, that even though they do have lovely winterizing, they can still get frost-bite. I have frost-bite on my feet, and tips of fingers and it is very touchy even as a human who can speak about pain and get treatment. I really don't want to have to deal with it on birds, it would be too hard. Sometimes I just err on the side of their comfort instead. I am careful to make sure it is not too warm, but there is a place they can gather that is warmer than the rest of the coop. If they are all huddled there, I know something is up, an when they are all just walking around everywhere I feel good.
that is love: turn down service for ducks
do you leave a single mealworm in gold-foil on the bedding too ?
what a lovely life to be your duck!
@Pollo Blanco ..I... don’t see how this is helpful? The OP expressed concern because the temps were much lower than their ducks have been used to and was looking for a bit of reassurance from those who are in a similar situation... It is sometimes harder to tell with poultry than it is with dogs or cats, when they’re truly cold... but they generally seem to know what they can and can’t handle. Giving them the option to choose is usually sufficient.
I haven’t used supplemental heat for my ducks at all. They have their draft free but ventilated house, a pen with a windbreak, and deep bedding. No issues whatsoever, but if I had obvious signs of them being “too” cold, I’d provide them with something to adjust that, without going overboard.
and, just to bring in a bit more perspective from over here in the North... my shep/husky dog spend every moment outside if at all possible, by her choice. She wears her coat in the -40 or lower overnights on my insistence, but beyond that, she’s totally fine. It’s much worse for her coming into even the unheated porch, and then going back out, because the temp difference is just too radical. She’s never been a house dog... every situation is going to be different.
Just sharing what I saw my ducks doing when they had a 100 watt heater available.@Pollo Blanco ..I... don’t see how this is helpful? The OP expressed concern because the temps were much lower than their ducks have been used to and was looking for a bit of reassurance from those who are in a similar situation... It is sometimes harder to tell with poultry than it is with dogs or cats, when they’re truly cold... but they generally seem to know what they can and can’t handle. Giving them the option to choose is usually sufficient.
I haven’t used supplemental heat for my ducks at all. They have their draft free but ventilated house, a pen with a windbreak, and deep bedding. No issues whatsoever, but if I had obvious signs of them being “too” cold, I’d provide them with something to adjust that, without going overboard.
and, just to bring in a bit more perspective from over here in the North... my shep/husky dog spend every moment outside if at all possible, by her choice. She wears her coat in the -40 or lower overnights on my insistence, but beyond that, she’s totally fine. It’s much worse for her coming into even the unheated porch, and then going back out, because the temp difference is just too radical. She’s never been a house dog... every situation is going to be different.
My ducks can choose to lay under the heater, or lay away from it.
