Just because it is cold does not mean the waterfowl will suffer. Bread
although not strictly good for them is popular especially if the chip
pan oil is added also sliced fruit and veg .
. . .Waterfowl are sweet
toothed by preference and please no salt as poisonous to them.Pallets
if really
frozen are good decking to sit upon, off the ground.
. . Watch if using
electric fence as ice can short it out.. . . .
. .The good news if
pestered by vermin the tracks allow you to find their homes and feed
accordingly. . . . very obliging foxes reveal themselves at this time
normally a vixen. who will keep using the same lair. Locate the rat
nest or lair now to save problems in the future . .Icy weather is also
the best for rat control they show where they are active and are hungry
so do NOT delay until further into Spring when they have bred more
babies
Their
needs alter if the ground is icy they will need drinking water at least
once per day. . by preference warm to hot with a slurp of
cheapest vegetable oil (and a spoon of sugar/optional). . . this
allows them to drink
before it freezes and the oil allows them to groom and waterproof their
feathers.
Watch the older birds ( below) as they
lose feather quality and if too waterlogged will chill and die. This
Abacot male is 12+ years and showing his age. The lady by him is 13+
but
fine except for some vision problems
The goose below is also aged 15+ but loses
waterproofing to the stomach
and undercarriage
more than their backs as in the ducks so again needs watching if he
gets too
wet he will have to stay indoors in the dry to recover condition. As
this stresses
him (lots of yelling to mates etc) it is a last resort.
Watch their feet as some are prone to frostbite
in extreme weather if
sleeping outside as some will lose toes etc . . . .if just sore
add hand/barrier cream or E45 and separate for a few days to
recover. . . catching them being the first hurdle . . . refer to
sliced bread again corruption and bribery is always best
Needs:- Access to shelter; Range of food; warm
water if frozen/they
will eat snow and
melting snow becomes a game;Regular attention especially to older birds
also watch for the determined broody (chicks on ice is a form of
torture catching them before the Crow's do.) Eggs freeze if laid
outside but if not caught quickly enough to be edible cook them and add
chopped back to their food or give to other animals
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