Winterizing the duck run

[Smiller1090]

This is my first year with ducks, everything I’ve read has said they are very hardy and actually prefer cold weather. I live in the Midwest where we usually get a month or so in the single digits with windchills in the negatives. We are also way over due for a heavy snow winter. How fortified does my run need to be for the cold months ahead? Posting pictures but don’t mind the mesh tarp roof, that is going to be changed out to a metal roof completely covering the run and coop. The whole enclosure is 10x20 with 4’ high fencing on one 10’ foot side and one 20’ side. Should I tarp or hay bail stack the other two sides for wind blockage? Thanks

 

[TomCahalan]

Should I tarp or hay bail stack the other two sides for wind blockage?

Yes, block the wind and they will be fine. Make sure that their water doesn't freeze.

 

[416bigbore]

Being from Central ND I know all to well about winter time - double digits, wind chill, fun. I would mount an outdoor thermometer in their coop with them so you have an idea what the actual ambient temp is for them.

I would also have on hand some cheap poly tarps and rope in case you have some extreme cold weather rolling in and you can tarp everything up to help hold some of the heat that they are expelling.

Last, I would start feeding a little extra corn and that will help with them having a little extra body fat that their body can burn for heat when its cold.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[Smiller1090]

Being from Central ND I know all to well about winter time - double digits, wind chill, fun. I would mount an outdoor thermometer in their coop with them so you have an idea what the actual ambient temp is for them.

I would also have on hand some cheap poly tarps and rope in case you have some extreme cold weather rolling in and you can tarp everything up to help hold some of the heat that they are expelling.

Last, I would start feeding a little extra corn and that will help with them having a little extra body fat that their body can burn for heat when its cold.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Thank you, will do