Duck Help Needed

J

JBall8019

Well-known member
Hi Guys,
I need some advice for the care of my three ducks ( DuckDuck, Daisy and Goose) this winter. They dont have shelter at this moment and I want to build a lean-to for them. They are stubborn ducks that dont like going in my barn because they dont like to leave the pond. Can big fat white ducks survive the winter without shelter? I would have eaten them by now but my Honey wont let me because they are pets now.
John
 
I know what you mean. We got it solved with a letter from the board of health threatening a summons. Staten Island is part of NY City. Bev went over to her girl friends while I did what had to be done on a dozen. One they were in as package they were meat, or soup.
They used to spend the winter out or in an old rabbit cage with one end open.

Bill
 
John, I have been told that one could build a floating pallet on the pond that the ducks would use. This would keep them from danger by predators. When the pond froze over is another story. Larry
 
John,

The three little ducks will be just fine on the pond in freezing, cold weather. They are well equipped to handle the cold weather...they adore it :!: :shock: Just make sure you have plenty of food for them to eat and water to drink (don't let the pond freeze over). 8)
 
Use heater tape to keep the water from freezing. We had our ducks over the winter as well as other fowl -- as long as the water was liquid they were ok.. shelter is at their discretion.

When it gets cold enough, they will go in the barn if there is access. A small sheltered lean-too with 3 sides enclosed and the entrance in the lee of the wind should be good. If they have a entrance into the barn that is somewhat sheltered and say they will go in when needed.
 
Don't be mistaken.........cattle farmers here in Mississippi, at times, have to break ice on the ponds so the cows can drink. :roll: :wink:
 
uncles solution for wayward ducks was to build small shelters....like doghouse-sized townhouses, that had electric lights.....the ducks would eventually check out the lit houses, out of curiosity, and usually settle in....some never did, though...especially muscovy's.

put lots of straw in the houses, and build the roof on hinges, so you can collect eggs....I personally love duck eggs, but it's an acquired taste, I'm told. then you can put a heated waterer in there for them, and they'll be fine if the pond does freeze over. As soon as the ice breaks in spring, though, they'll move back to the pond.

pekin ducks, however, do come from northern china; a climate just as harsh, if not worse than our own.
 
Guys,
thanks for the help. i just ran my wiring for the barn this weekend and will have power in a few days. my barn hasnt had power in the last 4 years that i have owned it and i am very excited. i cant wait to build the lean to and get some type of heating out for my ducks. my pond does freeze over enough and one cold winter i was able to drive over it with my cub. that winter i drilled holes in some old mowing blades and fastened blocks of old fabric to them. i then set my mower deck lowest it could go and then smoothed the ice. ( i saw this thrick in wisconsin and south dakota ice fishing) it worked very well as a makeshift zamboni. the only real problem i had is i couldnt find my damned skates!!!!!!
john
 
I raise wildwaterfowl , Swans, Trumpeters,Mutes, as well as wooducks,Wigeon Etc. I started with pekins 30 years ago. The problem with them is not the cold, as much as water supply , wind, and protection from predators (OWLS ,Coyotes. Night time is the worst) . When the sticky cold comes. Make sure you keep the water to a minimum , I usually give enough water for a good watering and bath, Put some lettuce in, that will keep them satisfied until the next watering , to much waters ,they will come out of the water and get stuck to the ice. If they get stuck ,don't pull them off , just get some warm water and pour it around them to free the feathers.
Feather quality will keep them warm,( need daily baths so they can oil up.)Keep the area as dry as possible.
as far as a pen 10' by 10' is plenty for winter for 3 ducks.
Good luck.
Phil
 
John
My adults do not ,however the young Trumpeters do . Have wing clipped them for the winter. Kind of a bear to catch up flying birds. Not sure what you mean by the bulb under the ceramic dish. you could get one of those water pail heaters for dogs. Large one, Water is the poblem they love it and splash it.
Phil
 
I didnt even know that there were heated dog bowls! Thanks, that is better than what i was thinking. I never have seen a swan fly. The noise frwom the beating wings must be impressive.
John
 
Neighbor called me early this morning to tell me one that on of the duck was at his back door. i caught that duck but i couldnt find the other two. while i was looking for them i saw a large fox near the pond :(. well i was late for work and and i have duck poop smeared on my slacks. maybe i will find them when i get home.
john
 
Hi Guys,
I am going to an auction tomorrow in rogers ohio. Is there anything to look for in grown ducks when buying? I need to get another to keep my remaining duck company.
thanks
john
 
Phil:

opposite sex! same breed.
Click to expand...

Yup, that usually helps.. :!: :idea: :!: :lol: :lol:

John:

just look and see what kind of condition the birds are in... if they look well cared for, healthy, move easily on their feet, then you will probably be ok. Take a good birding book with you, they usually have a good section on ducks both tame and wild.
 
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