Winter care of Silver Appleyards

[Quack head]

Temps are going down to 14° this coming week. I have most of the Quack House winterized with straw bails making a space for the ducks to huddle out of the wind.

I do let my ducks free range during the day. Should I keep them in on the cold days or let them out. They always have the option of going in the Quack House during the day to get out of the cold.

Should I be doing something else?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Give them the option. They are able to handle the cold with their down jackets on.

 

[chickens really]

As long as they don't freeze their feet they will be fine.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

It’s really something you have to gauge day by day...if there’s a lot of snow to wade through..I would keep them in..last week the temperature was borderline but we had 1/4” of ice storm..kept them in...but...then. Last week it was really sunny but still in 20’s but they were out all day and swimming in pond like crazy. Yesterday morning was descent but they chose to lounge in the barn till noon...lol. So, I. Think it’s a learning process...like when you send you kids to school without a hat and gloves one day but then realize the next. The. Ducks are made sturdy..just watch out for those adorable feet.

 

[Quack head]

Cold Temps in the low teens and the ducks did fine. They go from their house to the 1/2 acre pond a swim all day. I also put a thick layer of straw on the floor along with small space they could go behind with a few bails of straw. The duck is still laying almost an egg a day. I can only assume they are doing fine.

Thanks for all the advice.