Wintering Ducks

[chickens really]

Just saw this thread, and I'm in a similar situation. Two ducks, pekins, and it's their first winter.I'm not so much worried about the cold for them. We have an elevated chicken coop and they go up there on their own every night and sleep, so I think they have adequate protection from the wind and cold. What I'm concerned about is water. We've been just filling a daily kiddie pool for them. I don't mind hauling water from the house since the hose will freeze up...however, how do you keep it from icing over efficiently? I do have a power source, so I'm thinking maybe a bird bath heater? How much water do they need to be able to keep themselves clean?

I have a heated Bucket for drinking....Ducks do not need to bath daily.....If we get a warm day I fill the kiddie pool...They bath and oil up until the next nice day.....


Cheers!

 

[Jacob Duckman]

Just saw this thread, and I'm in a similar situation. Two ducks, pekins, and it's their first winter.I'm not so much worried about the cold for them. We have an elevated chicken coop and they go up there on their own every night and sleep, so I think they have adequate protection from the wind and cold. What I'm concerned about is water. We've been just filling a daily kiddie pool for them. I don't mind hauling water from the house since the hose will freeze up...however, how do you keep it from icing over efficiently? I do have a power source, so I'm thinking maybe a bird bath heater? How much water do they need to be able to keep themselves clean?

My understanding is that they need enough water to be able to fully immerse their bills.

A birdbath heater would work. the other option is to keep a filter/pump running. the movement of the water keeps it from freezing down to about 10F and would help keep the water filtered. Both would be ideal

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you have a power source why not a heated bucket that way they can really wash their heads which is very important,. if you want to keep them with swimming water a heater designed for stock tanks may work.

 

[DuckNoobie]

We're in the process of winterizing the pen right now. Putting clear plastic all the way around and over the roof to block wind. I have straw on the ground and inside their house where they sleep. First year I'm doing that so not sure how well it's going to work! We shall see..