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.
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| Water freezes instantly on them in these temperatures. |
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| They still come out for oats, despite their shivers. |
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| Ice droplets on golden feathers. |
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| Bucket of water with romaine quickly starts to freeze. |
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| Icy ducks in a row. |
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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. |
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| Enjoying a bucket of cold tap water at negative 27 degrees. |
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