Built the floating duck house....(PICS POSTED)

propertymanagem said:

How far will a raccoon swim to get to ducks and their eggs?

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They are good swimmers.

I had to ask. If I spend time and money on a floating duck house for the acre and a half pond where they will reside, am I wasting my time because the raccoons will just swim to the house during the night.

This is a gorgeous pond in the middle of my development. The pond is roughly 1.5 acres that sits on almost 3 acres of open field. It is stocked with the best bait and game fish, automatic feeders providing the best fish food, and well fed where additional clean water is pumped in nightly.

There are a fair amount of coyotes and raccoons in the area, but residential homes are increasing all around and the only fenced portion of the area is a cattle and horse ranch at the back of the property. The remainder of the property is surrounded by homes on one acre lots.

I would like to keep ducks on the pond year round and provide them with housing and daily feeding, but is this a mistake due to the fact that they will be outdoors 24/7? Even though I provide housing and food in a very healthy setting, am I setting myself up for disappointment? We are in Texas, the cold weather would not be a concern if they use the house we make.

Thank you for any advice.

I am in Sealy, Texas and live on a small farm with the same coyote problem. We built a floating duck house with a raised deck and small ramp that will tilt in the water under more than four pounds. The ducks can make it with a little flip of the wing. However, the turtles had their go around with it first.

I'm not sure how far a raccoon will swim for a duck dinner. you might try talking to fish and game and see if they know. coyotes are much like dogs and are very good swimmers. I know i wouldn't be comfortable with my ducks out on a pond at night. with out a way to lock them up for their own protection.

SandRun said:

This is it in its final position.

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So awesome!

Had any missing ducks?

1Larry said:

I am in Sealy, Texas and live on a small farm with the same coyote problem. We built a floating duck house with a raised deck and small ramp that will tilt in the water under more than four pounds. The ducks can make it with a little flip of the wing. However, the turtles had their go around with it first.

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Genius ... and I'd love to see the video of the turtles playing on the ramp.

No one has seen any coyotes or raccoons, but I am almost certain they are there.

I am building one this weekend. I'm just trying to figure out what to use for the base and floating material. I bought large pieces of styrofoam to place under the base but am wondering how much weight that will actually hold? I don't see your buckets, how are they attached and so well hidden?

My husband had an idea about building one of these. I'm kinda curious how well they work? Anyone know?