WINTER COOP CARE!

[RebinNH]

Do you think "fountain" dog water dispenser would freeze up? I was wondering if because it is always circulating if that might prevent the freeze.

 

[RebinNH]

Winter temperature where I am lasts from December through March. Average day time highs are -5c/23F and lows of -10c/14F. We did have a week of -40 which was rough. Average snow fall is 177cm/70in.
I have chickens, Muscovy ducks, and peacocks, each with their own coop and run. No group gets supplemental heat. What is essential is that they are able to choose whether to be in their run or inside their coop. If the sun is shining their preference is to be outside. Quite a sight to see the peacocks stomping through fresh snow to perch on their high roosts.
The biggest issue is water. Containers need to be bought in each night to thaw, and on really cold days, fresh water needs to be provided by mid-day.
For the ducks, I use large gravity feed water bowls designed for large dogs. The bowls are deep enough for them to completely submerse their heads. No kiddie pools during winter months. They never have water inside the coop at any time of year.

How do they wash?

 

[Canadian Wind]

Do you think "fountain" dog water dispenser would freeze up? I was wondering if because it is always circulating if that might prevent the freeze.

Depends on how cold it is. Ever see a frozen waterfall? We get that every year here.

 

[RebinNH]

Yes of course and so do we in southern NH. I was just thinking it may delay it for a few hours. Maybe it is wishful thinking. I am trying to get my plumber to install a hot water spigot to my outside faucet. Think that may be the best option unless the hose gets confused and bursts.

 

[RebinNH]

Oh and I bought one of these water defrosters:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R88HDH9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
It remains to be seen how well it will work.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Yes of course and so do we in southern NH. I was just thinking it may delay it for a few hours. Maybe it is wishful thinking. I am trying to get my plumber to install a hot water spigot to my outside faucet. Think that may be the best option unless the hose gets confused and bursts.

You can actually get heated water hoses!

 

[DukesDucks]

But how long is reasonable for a duck to go without drinking water? I read somewhere but can't remember. I don't want them to get dehydrated and since they go to bed at dark (which will be 4ish before too long) and I'll be damned if I'll get up at the crack dawn in the cold winter to haul water,

My ducks never have food and/or water in their coop. They are shut into their large coop come night time so obviously that timing is dependent on the season. I don't think there is an issue of no water access during the dark hours. I'm also not getting up at the crack of dawn. Their fresh food and water arrives after my first coffee is consumed.

 

[DukesDucks]

Do you think "fountain" dog water dispenser would freeze up? I was wondering if because it is always circulating if that might prevent the freeze.

I don't have electricity to my duck coop.

How do they wash?

The bowl is deep enough for them to totally submerge their heads. This ensures their nares are clear, and the rest they preen. I was worried last year when I left the kiddie pool in too late and one of my drakes ended up with chunks of ice on his chest and back. After a night of cuddling with his buddies, it was off the next morning.

I am trying to get my plumber to install a hot water spigot to my outside faucet. Think that may be the best option unless the hose gets confused and bursts.

Even with a special anti-freeze faucets, I turn off and drain all outside faucets for the winter. A neighbour failed to do this and the faucet froze, broke, and inside water line flooded the basement.

 

[ruthhope]

How do they wash?

Muscovy are "dab washing" practitioners. Only one of mine enjoys time in the kiddie pool one will not go in the pool at all. They dip their heads in their drinking water and then rub their bodies and preen. I admit the muscovy that will not go in the pool at all gets a bit stinky on occasions. That is when i help out his dab washing with a shower from my hose. I cant say he enjoys a shower, but he submits -- he turns to face the shower and stands his ground rather than running away. Meanwhile, my pekins are running up trying to join in. They are truly water babies

 

[RebinNH]

My 2 guys LOVE the swimming pool. In hot weather, they spend multiple times a day sitting and preening in the pool. They get in and beat the water with their wings so hard they empty some of it. They also vie for who gets the kiddie pool as compared with the large basin (a shallow commercial dish washing basin).
They can get a pretty good bath in that basin and I expect to use it in the winter. If I am able to put warmish water (cool) in it a couple of times a day I'm pretty sure they will be in there - not just dipping food in. They also (of course) bring the kale leaves over to it and dunk while tearing off pieces.
If I turn the hose on them with any force at all (ie. shower setting), they run away. the hose has been my saving grace when the big guy gets huffy and tries to bite me but he is getting much better, so I rarely use it for that.
I hear you DukesD about the faucets freezing (I too have the anti-freeze faucets) but I think (except for very extended severe freezing times) if the hose is run a couple times a day that will not happen. It may be more likely where you are!