Wind Chill = Negative 27 Degrees

A lot of people were very concerned about the ducks being outside in winter.  Then they became very concerned when the arctic air came.  Rightfully so - nobody likes to see anything try to endure this rough cold.  Negative 27 degrees this morning with the wind chill.  It is supposed to get colder tonight and into tomorrow morning.  But I've been told that ducks are very resilient in cold weather.  I wasn't worried - instead prepared to take care of them the best I could.  They don't need much besides shelter from the biting wind, open water for drinking, and extra food for eating as they burn lots of calories trying to stay warm.  I provided a lot of extra bedding, created an extra shelter in addition to their coop, and made sure to stay on top of thawed water and extra food.  Overall, they are faring well.  Do they shiver?  Yes, a little here and there.  Do they enjoy the subzero whipping wind?  No, but they are smart at finding shelter.  Are they still enjoying themselves despite all the nasty cold?  Yes.  And I don't mind being out in the cold tending to their needs either.  They really are hardy animals, and are resilient in this frigid climate. 

Water freezes instantly on them in these temperatures.  

They still come out for oats, despite their shivers.

Ice droplets on golden feathers.  

Bucket of water with romaine quickly starts to freeze.

Icy ducks in a row.

The water in the bucket was cold tap water, but still roughly 60 degrees warmer than the air temperature. 
It melted the ice from them and provided a "steam bath" and fun on this cold, cold day.  

Enjoying a bucket of cold tap water at negative 27 degrees.  

Holiday Ducks

Holiday photo shoot with a few of our urban hens and their loving humans!  

Hoping the upcoming subzero temps aren't too frightful for the quackers.  

Winter Ducks

  Winter has settled in, and the ducks are adjusting to their new cold climate.  The sub zero temperatures don't seem to bother them much, but they do prefer the 30s more than single or subzero digits.  They continue to splash and play in their water buckets, and zip about the yard busily looking for any greens (but their duck food will have to do for now).  They've grown big and are easier to handle.  The kids have been enjoying gently holding the fluffy birds, and in turn they sit quietly in their arms.    

Snuggling up in the brush during a snowfall.  

Dahlia getting held.  

Galantis getting held.  

9 below 0 with wind chill.  Mighty chilly morning.  

A warmer day - 30s.  Why not take a bath in the water pail?  

Daisy is a bucket hog.  

Splashing like crazy in the bucket.  

Grey duck sits on top of both black ducks. 
They could all fit in this dish in July. 
They have grown sooo much.

I added another bucket just to splash in for today.  

Now it is Daisy's turn to sit on top of both Molasses and Dahlia.  

Frosty December Morning

   Frosty December morning.  The ducks are enjoying a huge layer of leaves in the veggie garden.  They like to stay busy, and new stuff to forage in is very exciting for them - especially when Fall and Winter have deprived them of many bugs, worms, and leafy greens.  Galantis, the Blue Swedish, loves to perch atop the tree stump and flex her wings.