Completely new and no idea what we are getting into lol

[Djcoak]

The dirt part gets pretty damp so I need to build it up some.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The dirt part gets pretty damp so I need to build it up some.

Probably a good idea, maybe you can find some used wood or scarp wood or wood pallets[lowes] that you could use.

 

[Djcoak]

Wood isn't a good idea as it can get soaked with urine and smell. Concrete isn't good either as you need the urine to drain but part of the floor is already concrete so not much I can do about that.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Wood isn't a good idea as it can get soaked with urine and smell. Concrete isn't good either as you need the urine to drain but part of the floor is already concrete so not much I can do about that.

Wood isn't good by itself but if you cover it with something, and honestly concrete washes off pretty easy, I have it on my patio with rock over top and I just take the hose to it. If you use deep shavings all you'll need to do is scoop out the poop on top use the pitch fork to turn it over and done for the day. adding new bedding as needed.

 

[Speceider]

Wood isn't a good idea as it can get soaked with urine and smell. Concrete isn't good either as you need the urine to drain but part of the floor is already concrete so not much I can do about that.

Ducks do not excrete urine, they excrete uric acid combined with the feces.

Clint

 

[Djcoak]

Ducks do not excrete urine, they excrete uric acid combined with the feces.

Clint

well that's something I never knew. Thanks.

 

[Djcoak]

So the duck pen is in work. We decided to put them on the concrete portion in the photo. The chicken will go on the dirt part after I build a floor and walls. This was an old storage area behind a solid wall ( the old plywood is leaning on the back wall) which is why to my wife's dismay it never got painted.

The pen will match the horses stalls seen here ( you can see the wall as solid back towards the end of the barn)

So our next question is what types of things need to be in the pen. What type of food dishes and water?

 

[Miss Lydia]

So the duck pen is in work. We decided to put them on the concrete portion in the photo. The chicken will go on the dirt part after I build a floor and walls. This was an old storage area behind a solid wall ( the old plywood is leaning on the back wall) which is why to my wife's dismay it never got painted.



The pen will match the horses stalls seen here ( you can see the wall as solid back towards the end of the barn)



So our next question is what types of things need to be in the pen. What type of food dishes and water?

What a beautiful place, here are a few ideas for feeders and waterers. Ducks need to be able to wash their faces and clean their nares out especially when eating. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/831912/feeders-waterers-ideal-for-ducks

 

[BooBoo45]

Pekins have lovely characters and with a bit of patience you will soon find yourselves some new best friends. As Miss Lydia has already stated the way to a duck's heart is via their belly My fear is also the thought of predators, the fact you have horses in the barn certainly won't deter a fox. Much better to have a secure box with a door that you can shut at night, it is heart breaking to find your ducks have been killed. It doesn't need to be massive, a dog kennel with a door on the front would work - just needs a few air holes drilled in to help vent it. They are only in there at night but you know they are safe.

We've had several ducks that were full adults and pretty wild when they arrived with us but over time they soon wanted to make friends - especially when I was gardening. I found that it was best to just ignore them to begin with. They soon take an interest in what you are up to and some treats work well. My ducks had a child's sand pit for a pool, it is easy enough to tip out and refill and we also just placed a washing up bowl by the food.

Seeing their characters come out is going to be so rewarding. Good luck.

 

[Djcoak]

Don't worry the pens will be very secure. How often do you feed ducks and how much? They have a large pond to swim in after they get to know the place but should I have a small water supply in the pen in the mean time?