Re: Wintertime issues

From: Jill. (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 01/23/05 

Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 16:17:58 -0000

mlowry3@bellsouth.net wrote:
> My two ducks (White Pekins) seem to be coping with our freezing temps
> and snow, but I have a couple questions:
>
> 1) They stopped laying eggs when the days turned short, but a friend
> of mine says his chickens have continued to lay eggs, and they're kept
> in an unheated, unlit barn. Do chickens and ducks follow different
> laying schedules?

Yes
and different types within each species can be very different
Your birds will probably have moulted and be thinking about coming in to lay
as the conditions improve

>
> 2) I put out a big pile of soft hay for the girls in hopes that they
> might want to make a nest or something. So far, they still seem
> content to just hunker down out in the (relative) open areas. Do you
> suppose they just don't need/want a nest? I'm a little surprised,
> since the weather has turned rather foul with temps in the teens and
> 40 mph winds...

All ours are shut in secure housing at night
You must be very very fortunate not to have any predators but I would advise
thinking seriously about giving your birds proper facilities. They are not
wild birds. It is certainly likely to delay the onset of laying in this
season if they are struggling to maintain body temperature and condition
due to exposure to the elements

>
> Thanks for any input.

Hope it helps 

--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks
Housing; Equipment,  Books, Videos, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Holidays in Scotland and Wales
http://www.kintaline.co.uk
>
> Mark

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