Winter duck behavior

[Duckie doodle]

First winter with my flock. What I would like to know is when they are outside is it normal for them to lay in the snow and roll in it? Also, they haven't been drinking their water often as usual.. Any other helpful winter duck things would be appreciated as well. Thank you

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Hmm I’ve never seen a duck roll in the snow before.
They’re probably not drinking as much because they do tend to eat the snow.

 

[Duckie doodle]

Hmm I’ve never seen a duck roll in the snow before.
They’re probably not drinking as much because cause they tend to eat the snow.

My Welsh Harlequin drake was literally rolling side to side in the snow not a full roll over like a dog would

 

[Sara Ranch]

My ducks loved the snow, unless it was so deep they'd get stuck in it. (That was hilarious to watch!)

They ate it. They played in it. They made duck angels. They still laid eggs - usually in the duck house, but not everyday, through the first two winters.

Overall, they ate less feed and drank less water most days. On really bitterly cold days (below 15 F or if the wind chill as so bad), I kept them in their duck house for the day. They didn't care for that, unless the snow was too deep and they couldn't get out to play.

 

[Duckie doodle]

My ducks loved the snow, unless it was so deep they'd get stuck in it. (That was hilarious to watch!)

They ate it. They played in it. They made duck angels. They still laid eggs - usually in the duck house, but not everyday, through the first two winters.

Overall, they ate less feed and drank less water most days. On really bitterly cold days (below 15 F or if the wind chill as so bad), I kept them in their duck house for the day. They didn't care for that, unless the snow was too deep and they couldn't get out to play.

So how cold is too cold for the ducks? They were outside in 28F but go inside at night or when it is below 20F and if I'm working they stay inside all day. I have alot of straw down.

 

[Knighstar679]

When I let me ducks out they loved noodling and eating the snow. I even had some flail around like they were in a pool of water. Funny to watch. Last year my ducks ate more in the winter than the summer but might have been just my gang.

 

[Ratchnick]

Probably 0f with wind or -20f I would start to check on them and make sure everyone was doing ok.

 

[Mama_Owl_3]

Following for the information! This is my first winter with my fluffy babies.

 

[MallardMama19]

My two seem to be enjoying the fresh new snow, following this article because it’s our first winter the flock as well. They definitely would rather move around the yard then cooped up in their pen and duck house. I have a heated water dish for them so I don’t have to worry about their water freezing. I have straw layer out in their pen and shavings in their house. Any other tips for keeping them warm this winter up here in MN ???

 

[Sara Ranch]

The sun shining outside, even if it's cold, seems to warm them up. All of my animals are outside - or have the option of being outside - if it's 15F or warmer.

The exception is if it's too windy (25 mph or higher winds) or the snow is too deep for them (4" or deeper in the majority of the areas they would be in.

Have fun. Let the duckies have fun.

My ducks were very vocal and would tell me if they wanted in. Or more food. Or if they wanted me to come out and play with them. Lol - they would come knocking at the back door and the front door!

Please post pictures of your duckies!

*****

The ducks should be 4-6 months or OLDER.

The ducks should NOT be molting.