Bird

Ask a Bird Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

Have your own Bird question?

3 Vets and Bird Experts are Online Now

characters left:

Not a Bird Question?

Question

I have been give two call ducks. It's cold with temps in the twenties. The ducks have a house available with nesting material which they "checked out" one time. They are sleeping in the pond (plastic) or on the ground. We have put wind breaks around the water but I am concerned nonetheless. Should we force them into the shelter?

Submitted: 351 days and 14 hours ago.

Category: Bird

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Age: <1; Breed: call duck

Already Tried:
I have both male and female call ducks (two) and have tried to encourage them into the shelter but they continue to resist and stay outside

Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for showing such concern about your ducks. It is great to deal with caring pet owners who want the best for their feathered friends.

I think your ducks are just scared of their new house. They don't realize how much cozier and safer it will be inside. Try putting a trail of their food leading up to and inside the door. As they eat, they will gradually move closer, and may even go inside. They will learn that only good things happen inside their house. If you force them in their, they may get scared and will avoid the shelter.

Since this process may take a few days, keep trying to lure them in with food. Meanwhile, keep offering the shelter you set up around their water. If they have gradually become used to the cold temperatures outside, they won't be as uncomfortable as you think. Their body chemistry and even their circulation changes in cold weather so they can survive outside. However, life will be much easier in their shelter, and I am sure they will learn that if you have patience.

I hope this helps, and be sure to reply if you have more questions about them.

Accepts:
Expert:	AvianVetMOKS
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	12/6/2008

Avian Veterinarian

21 years experience with birds; state representative for Association of Avian Veterinarians

351 days and 13 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks so much for the quick reply... I feel much better!

Posted by AvianVetMOKS 351 days and 13 hours ago.

Answer

I'm glad I could be of help. Come back any time you need help with your birds.

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.