Birdcare

 

 

Taking Care of Ducks in Different Kinds of Weather

Ducks can make great pets, but you have to be willing to invest the time it will take to raise and nurture them in the proper way. They need plenty of attention and if you are not able to give them what they need, then you should not have them as a pet.

 

In the first few weeks, they are very delicate creatures, and then they grow up to be a companion for humans. There are people who like to have ducks as pets and there are some people who think that they are nuts for doing that.

 

There is a lot of work involved in raising ducks. You have to be ready and prepare yourself for the adventures you will face with these animals.

 

During the winter season, ducks need ventilation as well as enough heat. An infrared or ceramic bulb or a 75-100-watt standard bulb can be used depending the climate that you reside in. If you are using bulbs for heat, keep them at a height where the ducks can't reach them. 

 

Place them in an area where the duck(s) can go to another area if the light gets too hot. Also, keep it away from flammable items. 

 

For inclement weather, create a shelter that has a roof that is waterproof, walls that are insulated and can hold up to wind, and an entry exit door with a rubber flap. The duck(s) will be protected from inclement weather as well as be able to go outside. 

 

Other alternatives include using a basement in the evenings or a garage. They should have enough food and water and make sure that it is warm enough for them to stay there.

 

With the cold winter weather, some domestic ducks can deal with it more than other ducks can. If it is really cold, they will get close and create a huddle in order to keep warm. Ducks need to stay warm in extremely cold temperatures, especially if they fluctuate suddenly. 

 

Otherwise, they can get sick. The shelter should be clean and make sure to keep it dry. If the shelter is damp, the duck(s) can get an infection. Do not allow mold or anything that is of a threat to them to fester in their shelter. 

 

You can use rubber sheds to house them in the evening. Drill holes so that it will have ventilation. You should have a plan in place to create the shelter prior to the winter season setting in. When it comes, you just have to make the quick transition. 

 

Have a pump or aerator available to keep small ponds thawed out. Or you can go to a retailer that sells products for de-icing ponds, such as a pond heater. When the pond is thawed, toxic gasses leave and oxygen comes in. Despite that, the best thing to use is the pond heater.

 

During the summer season, ducks don't need a lot of shelter. However, they should not be exposed to the sun a lot. Like humans, they can experience sunstroke if they stay in the sun too long. They should have fresh water to drink, shelter and shade.