Can I evict my ducklings yet?

[Soon2BChixMom]

Will it be a covered run?

 

[jennybvcr]

For now we’re going to cover the top with hardware cloth, I believe.

Here is progress at end of day two. It’s all been very... expensive! Haha

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

For now we’re going to cover the top with hardware cloth, I believe.

Here is progress at end of day two. It’s all been very... expensive! Haha

The reason I asked is because sand might not be the best run covering with an open run especially if you get a good amount of rain. It tends to turn hard from what I have read. But, I don't have experience with it. I read on chicken chick she has to till it once a year or so.
I know some people like it in enclosed runs with their ducks.
@CarleeAnn uses it.

 

[jennybvcr]

The reason I asked is because sand might not be the best run covering with an open run especially if you get a good amount of rain. It tends to turn hard from what I have read. But, I don't have experience with it. I read on chicken chick she has to till it once a year or so.
I know some people like it in enclosed runs with their ducks.
@CarleeAnn uses it.

Got it! I decided to go with sand because I used handware cloth on the entire bottom of the run and I wanted something that could sink into the holes and level the whole thing out, protect their feet from the wire but also be something that bugs and maybe even plants could grow up through.

 

[Jbently28]

It looks great so far! I was just curious if you were planning on having a water source for them such as a pool, etc? I have 2 Welsh Harlequins and 2 Khaki Campbells that are just a tad bit older than yours. I have them in a temporary run outside right now while my husband gathers materials for their permanent housing and was trying to get some ideas.

 

[jennybvcr]

It looks great so far! I was just curious if you were planning on having a water source for them such as a pool, etc? I have 2 Welsh Harlequins and 2 Khaki Campbells that are just a tad bit older than yours. I have them in a temporary run outside right now while my husband gathers materials for their permanent housing and was trying to get some ideas.

They will have an all the time water bucket/drinker and I am brooding them in a kiddie pool which I will probably supply during warmer months pretty regularly. Ideally I would like to add a stock tank eventually for better swimming but I am all out of dough for duck projects. The other pets are getting jealous.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Got it! I decided to go with sand because I used handware cloth on the entire bottom of the run and I wanted something that could sink into the holes and level the whole thing out, protect their feet from the wire but also be something that bugs and maybe even plants could grow up through.

From my understanding, sand is fairly acidic and it will be hard for plants to grow and if you need to ever use that plot of land for something else you will need to nourish your soil. As @Soon2BChixMom mentioned, the sand will also become hard of it rains; you may want to consider a solid roof- but some people like the “solid sand” you should be able to spray it clean. Just make sure your duckies have access to a pond or something to clean their feet because if they get a cut and grains get in it, it could lead to bumble foot.

 

[jennybvcr]

From my understanding, sand is fairly acidic and it will be hard for plants to grow and if you need to ever use that plot of land for something else you will need to nourish your soil. As @Soon2BChixMom mentioned, the sand will also become hard of it rains; you may want to consider a solid roof- but some people like the “solid sand” you should be able to spray it clean. Just make sure your duckies have access to a pond or something to clean their feet because if they get a cut and grains get in it, it could lead to bumble foot.

Thanks for the advice, CarleeAnn. I'm not worried about the land because the run is at the back of our yard and nothing grew back there anyway. It was already a bit of a wasteland.

Is there something you would recommend putting down instead of sand? We have enough down currently to cover the hardware cloth and fill in the uneven ground, but we were planning to add more so it was more level. I'd be happy to try something else if you have any recommendations.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Thanks for the advice, CarleeAnn. I'm not worried about the land because the run is at the back of our yard and nothing grew back there anyway. It was already a bit of a wasteland.

Is there something you would recommend putting down instead of sand? We have enough down currently to cover the hardware cloth and fill in the uneven ground, but we were planning to add more so it was more level. I'd be happy to try something else if you have any recommendations.

If I could afford it I would do the same thing and then put down river rocks! River rocks are smooth on their feet, and if you keep the pond in there it won’t get muddy, but they could get hot if not shaded.

You could probably do just the sand and make sure they get to bath and forage everyday.

 

[jennybvcr]

If I could afford it I would do the same thing and then put down river rocks! River rocks are smooth on their feet, and if you keep the pond in there it won’t get muddy, but they could get hot if not shaded.

You could probably do just the sand and make sure they get to bath and forage everyday.

Thanks! I will start with the sand and make sure they have a pool and then maybe add the river rocks as we go. The run is under a big tree so it doesn’t really get tons of sun.