adverse weather info . . cold
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
