Weather-Proofing Your Ducks

 

Summer heat

If the forecasters are correct, 2021 will feature unprecedented heat waves for our area. What can you do to keep your waterfowl safe in record-shattering heat?

  • Water, water, water! Make sure you provide fresh, cool water for all of your animals at least morning and evening. You can add ice to keep it cooler longer. Change swimming pools frequently, and make sure the birds have lots of opportunities to take a dip.

  • Provide ample shade. If your run/field doesn't have a lot of natural shade, put out anything you can - shade cloth, a picnic table, etc. - to create a shady area. Hose down the shady ground to keep things even cooler.

  • Check them frequently! Check in on each animal morning, afternoon, and evening at minimum. Monitor for signs of heat stress - your birds will pant, fan themselves with their wings, and act lethargic if they're getting too hot. If they begin stumbling, can't seem to walk normally, or generally act droopy and uncomfortable, get them into a cool place immediately and begin dipping their feet into cool water. If a bird is in acute distress, you can also place ice packs under their wings for up to 60 seconds, remove, then repeat.

  • Feed when it's cool, and provide watery treats. Feeding early in the morning/late in the evening will keep them more comfortable. Snacks of melons, lettuce, cucumbers, and other water-rich treats will be very welcome. Float the treats in their water dish to give them something fun to do.

  • Keep nighttime housing well-ventilated. If your duck/goose house has windows or vents, make sure they're all wide-open. If you don't normally provide water at night, consider doing so at least for the duration of this heat wave.

  • Finally, consider what you can do to keep YOURSELF safe and comfortable. Do the bulk of your livestock chores during the cooler hours of early morning and late evening, and stage things you'll need to use ahead of time.

We've been hauling feed and straw today, in advance of the worst heat, so we don't have to do too much lifting/carrying during the worst of it. And we're planning to wake up early to get everything done before that sun gets too high.

Stay safe out there!