I first had my ducks in one section of the chicken coop that was about 3' off the ground. It took them time and help from me but they learned to go up the ramp. But then I moved them and built them their own house which is on the ground.
My duck house has nests and my ducks use those to lay their eggs. They're not up off the ground like chicken nests (I have those about 12" to 2' off the ground, depending which house).
Ya, it is expensive to buy new materials to build anything these days. The little duck house I just built cost about $175. I was hoping to make it $100 but like you said, three pieces of 1/2" treated plywood is $28 a pop. Doesn't take long to add up! I've found out that raising ducks and...
I used 1/2" plywood and the hardware cloth. Not sure where you live, but if you have coons or smaller animals like that, they can reach in and grab your birds.
Built this new duck house today. Not yet finished. Will put hardware cloth on it to keep it secure. The front, to the right of the picture, swings open. I'll secure them in this at night since I have a big problem with critters at night. And during the day, they'll roam in the secure yard.
I just got my first four ducks "accidently" ? I went to a neighbor's to get some straw and came home with four ducks! I've been wanting some for a while; just no place to put them. My chicken coop is set up where I can have one end of it separated and it has its own yard that I fence off. So...