Building a duck tractor for a commercial flock

[PeteB]

I recently acquired 100 laying ducks and I intend on pasturing them using a portable, electric net during the day and then putting the ducks into a movable tractor at night. I have not found anyone in my area that does this and was hoping someone might have a working design for the tractor.

I was thinking that the tractor could be 12'x12' (144sq ft, or ~1.5sq ft per bird at night). The ducks would free range inside the net during the day and then be put into the tractor at night.

Any thoughts, comments, or experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[marcelineduckie]

any pictures? I'm not sure, o only have 2 and they free range the yard all day and sleep in a dog house at night haha there's a door and everything to.keep predators away. my my 100 ducks! how are you going to keep your sanity with all that cuteness! oh one thing I do know is that space and ventilation are very very important ducks release a lot of moisture when breathing and are also prone to overheating. how tall is the tractor from floor to ceiling?

 

[TLWR]

Why type of duck?
1.5 sq ft per duck for night time housing is still very tight, especially if you have large breed ducks.

Do you plan on moving the tractor often? I'm wondering if maybe it wouldn't be easier to build a few smaller tractors.

 

[PeteB]

I have white layers.

I plan to move the tractor each day and move the net as needed to make sure they have access to fresh pasture.

I thought about a couple smaller tractors, but I have been having issues putting them in the single, smaller tractor they spend the night in now. Have your ducks gotten used to being put qup at night? Because mine frantically run from me now (10 weeks) when I try to put them up.

 

[marcelineduckie]

again I only have 2 so.herding is quite easy, they have always wanted to be put to bed as soon as it was starting to get dark, we made them a small enclosed well working on being enclosed, area and they sleep in a dog house. the first week we trained them by only feeding them at night (we fed them during the day too haha just thought I should add that) in the run outside the dog house now every evening they go there by themselves expect to be fed then when.finished they either kick it in their mini pool in there or go.inside the dog duck house and wait for.me to.lock up the door before I go.to sleep try leaving a trail.of treats behind you as you walk to.the night house peas work best in my opinion and a lot of others believe so.too. we get a bag of frozen peas and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cool.water for 10 min if we need them sooner