Deep litter over gravel

[ejgeiger]

First post here! We just purchased 3 new ducklings and I am starting to think about how to keep them outside once they are big enough. We have an area off the deck that is plenty big with about 4" of gravel. I was thinking about splitting this area into two areas, one with a small kiddie pool over the gravel and the other covered for shelter. In the sheltered area I was thinking about trying the deep litter method, but am worried about getting gravel all mixed in. Should I put some pavers down first to keep them from getting mixed up? The gravel will definitely help with drainage in both areas.

 

[Miss Lydia]

First post here! We just purchased 3 new ducklings and I am starting to think about how to keep them outside once they are big enough. We have an area off the deck that is plenty big with about 4" of gravel. I was thinking about splitting this area into two areas, one with a small kiddie pool over the gravel and the other covered for shelter. In the sheltered area I was thinking about trying the deep litter method, but am worried about getting gravel all mixed in. Should I put some pavers down first to keep them from getting mixed up? The gravel will definitely help with drainage in both areas.

are you planning on building a house for them over the gravel and putting the shaving inside it over the gravel? and Gravel works really well to help keep mud from getting bad where there is water. especially around the pool area, I used landscaping cloth and then put the river rock over top and it's working real well. But I only use deep litter in their house.

 

[ejgeiger]

Yes, the first part I would not do anything to, just add a pool. In the second part I would build a house and just put a thick layer of straw directly over the gravel. The other option would be to put pavers on the gravel and then the straw to keep it from getting mixed up. The used bedding will eventually go in the compost bin. So my question is, do you guys/ladies think the pavers are necessary?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes, the first part I would not do anything to, just add a pool. In the second part I would build a house and just put a thick layer of straw directly over the gravel. The other option would be to put pavers on the gravel and then the straw to keep it from getting mixed up. The used bedding will eventually go in the compost bin. So my question is, do you guys/ladies think the pavers are necessary?

One of the most important things in building a house for your ducks is making sure Nothing can get to them whether over a fence or digging under, so you need to have something down on the ground before building, it can be pavers, hardware cloth nailed or stapled to your duck house but you have to make sure something[predator] cannot dig under. then you can add your shaving straw or what ever you use as bedding, just keep in mind that ducks have tender feet so you want to make sure the floor is covered real good and deep litter would be the way to go. I use it in all my houses. [well except mine] Keep us posted and lots of pics of your ducklings and house too. we love pics.