Today saw a fluttering of snowflakes, a first for some of my ducks, And a sure sign that winter is on my doorstep. Wild ducks in winter normally would fly south, or at least to slightly warmer climates. As my ducks are not wild but pets I have to offer an alternative. But what do I have to consider when dealing with pet ducks in winter? Let’s have a look…
Freezing Temperatures
As soon as the temperatures look to dip below freezing here at night I make certain my ducks havwe a warm, non-windy place they can tuck themselves into at night, or even during the day. A duck house that is full of warm snuggly hay at this time of year.
My ducks are free to wander my enclosed walled garden during the day, but even in the day, temperatures can dip, so a place to get out or away from the cold is necessary. Ducks can tolerate cold temperatures… to a point.
Two sort of random duck facts for you. They do not have nerve endings in their feet (hence why they can stand on ice). And, they can get frostbite. (Probably something having to do with no nerve endings.) So once we start to hit the negative degrees (Celsius) here in France, I make certain they have access to warmer places they can tuck themselves into when they need or want to.
Ducks in Winter
Taking care of ducks in winter means dealing with lots of frozen water and food, and also very hungry predators. To better safe guard them, as well as give them a more comfortable nights sleep, I choose to change where they sleep at night to something more cosy.
The first evening is a bun fight. Breaking a routine causes chaos. They are used to wandering the garden for a good forage. I add water to water bowls and mealy worms are dispensed at set times, morning and evening. Suddenly I am turning over water bowls, emptying them instead (so they don’t freeze solid over night). And there are no mealy worms! (Of note, you can get heated water bowls so they don’t freeze. Here’s a link to DunkinDucks as they rate different water heating systems.)
For me, I put their water bowls in my cave (a space of consistent temperature, 11C/52F, usually under an old French house), topped up with their tasty treats. Except they haven’t figured this out yet. So I have to get them in to the cave. Herding ducks is like herding cats when they have yet to understand the outcome.
With Repetition Comes Wisdom
At dusk I have complete and utter chaos as I try to get them to go into the cave. Although the hay brings on lots of happy sounds normally, it doesn’t outweigh that it is dark in there. Once all are in the cave, I close the door and let them settle.
The older ducks are used to this change in routine. I did this last year, and the year before. So getting them in is not too problematic, but once in they have to establish which corner is to be their home for the night. Any new ducks have no idea what is happening. So as soon as I scoot them in, they run back out. Like I said, herding cats, except they are ducks. Oh, and sometimes one of my cats enjoys joining the melee. They love when I open the cave as they too are very curious and wish to join in the exploration.
Phew. Finally, all the ducks are in the cave (and the cats are not). Lots of shuffling and whispered sounds can be heard as they settle themselves in to their new winter home.
New Routine
It takes usually 4 days to establish a new routine with ducks. Now that I have done it once, the next night becomes a little easier. And the next easier again. By the fourth we are all used to how it works. Our new routine is helped by the darkness. Unlike the first night I now wait until almost dark to tuck them into the cave.
And come morning, as the cave is below my house, I am quick to hear their calls of ‘let us out‘. Who needs an alarm clock when you have ducks? Taking care of pet ducks in winter can cause wonderful chaos.
Love Ducks?
You’ll find more about ducks in my Duck 101 posts, from eggs to death, including whether they grieve (the answer is yes).
If you like what you read, consider joining in and nourishing Pumpjack & Piddlewick.
Or if you prefer, I a selection of Duck Gifts available for you or those you know who love ducks in my shop. Some vintage, some my own designs, all unique.
Simply click on the photo to see more…