Wintering Ducks and their needs

[lindsay297]

I am thinking about getting a couple of ducks and would like information specifically from those in cold climates. I am looking for information on a ducks needs when the temperature stays below freezing for months on end. I know that people keep ducks as pets in these conditions and I have laying hens that we winter.

I have searched duck housing and wintering ducks but, most of the duck owners seem to live in the southern states. Can anyone tell me what is involved in keeping ducks in Northern Ontario or that kind of area??

I am wanting to get 2 drakes of either the Pekin or Cayuga breed, if that would make any difference. They would be a gift for my kids for Easter next year......I have lots of time to plan!!

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[tiki]

I would be interested in this too, if anybody has some answers

 

[mrshaggie810]

Ok, well, I am new to ducks, but I am in Michigan, and from what I was told by someone locally, and what I've read on here, they said to make sure their housing has good ventilation, but no drafts, and that you might want to put a heat lamp out there. Also that a heated dog bowl for water, or some other form of anti-freeze waterer was really nice to have and better for the birds. I know lots of people say they let their ducks out even in a few feet of snow and they aren't bothered by it, and will even attempt to "forage" in it...after all, they have down coats. I can't really be much more help than that though.

 

[ChicagoDucks]

Sometimes it is nice to live "down south" in Chicago! I don't have to start worrying about winter until October.

There were a few posts on the forum last spring about how ducks do in the winter. Here is one thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/634866/how-do-ducks-fair-in-the-winter

The consensus seems to be that ducks can handle very cold temperatures (like -20) , as long as they have shelter, and possibly/sometimes a heat lamp during extreme cold.

From what I've read from others who have ducks in very, very cold climates, I will never again worry about my ducks' chances during a Chicago winter.

Here are a couple more threads:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281269/cold-ducks-geese
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/593192/ducks-too-cold-in-winter

 

[Going Quackers]

I'm in On but southern, mind you we still get cold not quite as bad as you do. Regardless, a draft free coop/barn/building is best, i actually did use a heat lamp with my birds last year when we got those horrid cold snaps of -40C windchills.. I also needed a heated bucket.. i added extra deep bedding and straw.

I'll add a pic of my mini barn to give you an idea.

 

[keyt1969]

I'm from Michigan too and it gets very bitter here and the wind is horrible. I've had up to 34 ducks in the winter. They sleep in a fairly small coop and they keep each other warm at night with no lights. The only time we turn on lights is if the wind is really bad or if the temps fall below the teens (which I know it can there too!)

Most ducks are winter hardy. Even my call ducks (bantams) who are now 2 years old LOVE the snow!!! Even if it snows hard, my ducks will stand out there with their heads to the sky as if they love the snow on their faces.

In summer time we only feed our animals twice a day. In the winter they get fed twice a day then right before bedtime they get fed some cracked corn. It helps keep them warm overnight.

Let me suggest though, don't get two drakes. Two hens yes or a drake and a hen but not two drakes. They can be kinda mean, especially cayugas and pekins. I have had both most of my life!

Feel free to msg me if you have any more questions =)

 

[lindsay297]

Thank you all for your great ideas and advice....I appreciate all of it. You have answered alot of my questions and the pic really helped (thanks Going Quakers)

 

[Going Quackers]

Thank you all for your great ideas and advice....I appreciate all of it. You have answered alot of my questions and the pic really helped (thanks Going Quakers)

Your welcome, i find it's a real crash coarse, you have to basically get as much planned as possible and be prepared to fix it lol Our winters are so unpredictable.. i found my 'scovies face flesh was being negatively affected by the cold so out came the Vaseline.

 

[growyourbrew]

I have both a Pekin and some Cayugas up here in the Rocky Mountains. Like the others said, they are really tough creatures. You will need a place where they can stay dry and away from the elements. You'll also need some kind of bedding so that they can keep their feet dry. Also water that's deep enough for them to dip their heads into to wash themselves everyday. A 3-5 gal bucket works fine for this. You can get them for free at your grocery store bakery or Subway but you'll need to wash them out. Walmart sells them new for under $2.
Cayugas are native to Upstate NY so they are really tough. My Pekins both have had leg problems because of their considerable girth. They would make great meat birds but they do have a hard time moving around!

 

[mrsp523]

Thanks for making this post. I got some helpful information. I noticed someone wrote about the male/female ratio. My friend and I got 6 ducklings about 15 or so weeks ago. Problem is they were straight run. I ended up with 2 drakes and 1 hen. She ended up with 2 hens 1 drake. So far mine are fine as they are young ~ the hen leads the pack. (they also live comfortable with 20 hens and 2 pullets.) My friend offered her 2nd hen to even my ratio out. Is this still asking for trouble? Should I try and find a home for one of the drakes, or take on the 2nd hen? I cant see that either one has paired up yet with the hen.
My biggest concern for the winter is not keeping them warm, its the awful mess they make with the waterers. I have even tried differant types that the chickens and ducks can share. Im having to change the bedding way to much. Come winter this isnt going to be an easy thing. I have looked and asked about what I should do. I need the water heated in the winter (im in western mass). I wish I could created a bowl that is set down and allows the water overflow drain down. Be fair warned they are very sloppy with water, even my small tubs of water they try and sit in, even though they have to kiddie pools to sit in. Anyone have ideas on what worked for them for the cold months. Not so worried now as they spend most of their time outside. Maybe I might have to get yet another pen for just them??

Good luck with your project getting ready for ducks. I have enjoyed mine. They do provide entertainment!