Preventing Heat Stroke In Ducks: What You Need To Know

Ducks are generally quite good at handling hot weather, but they can still suffer from heat stroke, especially in extremely high temperatures. Ducklings are particularly at risk. Without sweat glands, ducks rely on panting to cool down, which is less efficient than sweating. This means that in hot weather, ducks are susceptible to overheating and heat exhaustion. Signs of overheating include panting, holding their wings away from their bodies, standing or sitting with closed eyes, and lethargy. If you suspect a duck is suffering from heat stroke, it should be moved to a cool place, and its feet placed in a tub of cold water.

Signs of heat stroke in ducks

Ducks are susceptible to heat stroke, especially in the summer months of June, July, and August. Heat stroke can have a negative impact on the animals, causing behavioural changes such as difficulties with feeding and hydration.

• Panting: Birds rely on panting to release heat from their bodies, which takes longer and requires more energy than sweating.
• Continuously lifting wings up and down: This is an attempt to cool down by increasing air circulation.
• Standing motionless for long periods: Ducks may stand or sit with their eyes closed to conserve energy.
• Droopy wings: Ducks may hold their wings out from their bodies as a sign of overheating.
• Attempting to submerge in water: Ducks may try to cool themselves by getting into water buckets or pools.
• Acting uncharacteristically: This can include stumbling, running into things, or wedging themselves into corners.
• Feeding and hydration difficulties: Ducks may experience a loss of appetite and drink less, which can upset their electrolyte balance.
• Impaired egg-laying: Heat stress can affect the quality of eggshells and decrease egg production in female ducks.

If you suspect a duck is suffering from heat stroke, move it to a cool spot, provide it with water and electrolytes, and place its feet in a tub of cool (not cold) water.

How to treat heat stroke in ducks

Yes, ducks can get heat stroke. Here are some ways to treat heat stroke in ducks:

Recognise the signs of heat stroke

Ducks may exhibit behavioural changes such as feeding and hydration difficulties, which may upset their electrolyte balance. Other signs include panting, holding their wings out from their bodies, standing or sitting with their eyes closed, or laying on their side.

Move the duck to a cool area

If you suspect a duck is suffering from heat stroke, move it immediately to a cool spot, such as a shaded area or an air-conditioned barn.

Cool the duck down

• Dip their webbed feet into a cool (not cold) bath slowly to reduce their body temperature.
• Place small ice packs under their wings for up to 60 seconds, then remove for a few minutes, and repeat as needed.
• Spray the duck with cold water from a hose or use misting sprinklers.
• Provide fans to cool the duck down and improve airflow.

Provide water and electrolytes

Always provide fresh, cool, and clean water. You can also offer sugar water or electrolytes, such as plain Pedialyte, to help the duck rehydrate.

Adjust their diet

Offer water-dense treats such as watermelon, lettuce, cucumbers, and strawberries. Avoid treats like scratch, cracked corn, and oats, as these can raise body temperature.

Make environmental modifications

• Provide a swimming pool for the ducks to cool off in.
• Ensure there is plenty of shade, such as shrubs or small bushes, for the ducks to rest in.
• Feed the ducks during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or just before dark.
• Improve ventilation in their enclosure by adding windows, airflow inlets, and outlets.

Preparing duck farms for hot weather

Ducks can be susceptible to overheating in hot weather. While ducks generally handle heat fairly well, in excessive heat, they can suffer from heat stroke. Therefore, it is important to take measures to keep ducks cool and comfortable during hot weather. Here are some ways to prepare duck farms for hot weather:

• Provide shade: Ensure there is enough shade for all the ducks to get out of the sun. This can be provided through natural means, such as trees and bushes, or artificial structures.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to prevent heat stress. Keep air moving by providing fans and positioning the ducks' enclosures to maximise wind exposure. Duck enclosures should be well-ventilated, with proper airflow inlets and outlets.
• Water access: Ducks should always have access to fresh, cool, and clean drinking water. Place water containers in shaded areas and refill them frequently with cool water. Adding ice to the water can help keep it cooler for longer.
• Swimming water: If ducks do not have access to a natural water source, provide a swimming pool or kiddie pool filled with fresh water. Ducks enjoy splashing and floating in water to cool off.
• Treats and supplements: Offer ducks treats with high water content, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and mint. Mint naturally lowers body temperature. Additionally, provide vitamin and electrolyte supplements to help them stay hydrated and maintain their electrolyte balance.
• Feeding and housing: Feed ducks later in the day or overnight when temperatures are cooler. Provide a well-ventilated night shelter, ensuring it is predator-proof.
• Misting: Use high-pressure misting systems to help lower the temperature. Stainless steel misting ramps are recommended, with nozzles installed in the air circuit of the ventilation system.
• Pad cooling system: Install wet pads on the walls or roof of the building, which are kept continuously wet by an irrigation system. This helps to cool the air inside the building.
• Breed-specific considerations: Different breeds of ducks have varying degrees of heat tolerance. For example, Muscovy ducks are generally more tolerant of heat than Pekin ducks. Adjustments, such as the temperature at which to turn on the misting system, should be made according to the specific breed.

How to keep ducks cool in hot weather

Yes, ducks can get heatstroke. In hot weather, ducks can suffer from overheating and heat exhaustion. Therefore, it is important to take steps to keep them cool. Here are some ways to do that:

Provide shade and water

Ducks generally handle summertime heat well, but in excessive heat, they can suffer from heatstroke. So, it is important to provide plenty of shade and fresh, cool, and clean water. Position waterers in the shade, add ice, and refill them with cool water often.

Provide a swimming pool

In addition to waterers, provide a swimming pool for your ducks to cool off in. This can be a plastic kiddie pool, horse trough, repurposed garden tub, or large container. Plan on refilling the pool daily and scrubbing it with white vinegar to prevent bacteria growth.

Offer water-dense treats

Instead of scratch, cracked corn, oats, and other grains, offer your ducks water-dense treats like chilled watermelon, lettuce, sliced cucumbers, peas, blueberries, or sliced strawberries. You can also freeze fresh mint leaves into ice cubes and add them to the water to help cool your ducks down.

Provide well-ventilated shelter

Ensure your duck house has plenty of cross-ventilation. If possible, let your ducks sleep outside in an attached and secure night run.

Feed during cooler times of the day

Ducks eat less in the summer, so help them by putting out their feed in the early morning or just before dark, or even leaving food and water overnight so they can eat when the temperatures are coolest.

Use cooling equipment

If your ducks are kept in an enclosure, you can use equipment such as misting, air blowers, and turbines to help lower the temperature and reduce thermal stress.

The impact of heat on ducks' egg-laying

Ducks are susceptible to overheating during hot weather conditions. Birds have a high natural body temperature and no sweat glands, so they rely on panting to release heat from their bodies. This process takes longer and requires more energy than sweating. As a result, ducks may experience heat exhaustion.

Female ducks require a high amount of calcium for egg-shell formation. During hot weather, the increased respiratory rate affects the amount of ionized calcium in their bodies, leading to the development of thin-shelled or smaller eggs and/or decreased egg production.

Additionally, eggs are mostly water, and the process of laying eggs siphons fluids from the duck's body. Therefore, access to plenty of water is critical during hot weather to maintain egg production.

The impact of heat on duck egg-laying can be mitigated by providing ducks with shade, well-ventilated shelters, and ample water sources.

Frequently asked questions