We have 5 pekin ducks and this is their first winter with us. Their pen is a covered trampoline with welded wire and mesh all the way around to keep predators out and then a yard gate where they can get out into the yard and enjoy the sun and preen in their pool during the day when they want to. We have a large dog house in the covered area of the pen for them to get into and are planning on putting plenty of straw in it this weekend. It has been below freezing a few nights here already and they have done fine. The cold doesn't seem to bother them at all. It does get very windy here sometimes so blocking the wind is our priority for the ducks and our chickens. We have lost a few young chickens already due to the the fact they they decided not to get into their coop and instead tried to huddle together in a corner of the run and didn't survive the night. This weekend we are trying to winterize everything a bit more in hopes of not losing anymore of our flock. We are also trying the cookie tin water heater as I have read a lot of reviews on it and it seems to be very cheap and effective on both metal and plastic waterers and we have both! Definitely worth a try!
We do not use heat lamps on any of our birds that are outside. As long as they have a dry place out of the wind, supplemental heat is not needed for chickens or ducks. They are designed to survive without the help of us humans (as much as our hearts want to believe otherwise.) Placing heat lamps when not really needed is a fire hazard and can lead to devastating results. We only use heat lamps on our newborns and if we have a hen that goes broody. Even then, the heat lamps are typically used inside, part time, and only as needed to ensure the young stay extra warm.
Best of luck!
