Do ducks need a house

[Yardmom]

My ducks have a house. The only reason they go in it is because I feed them in there. They prefer to stay out on the pond. The windmill keeps the water open most days in winter. We get plenty of rain and blowing snow in the snow belt of Lake Erie, but I can only think of one day the ducks went in for shelter. As far as egg laying I'd be glad to here tips on how to get them to lay in an open shelter. Mine prefer to make their own nests. I figure is just one of the hazards of free range.

 

[Ratchnick]

I'm confused though. If you have a secure run, then the predator proofness of the shelter shouldn't matter, right? The OP said he/she had a secure run.

Yes if the run is secure the shelter does not have to prevent preds.

 

[Selahlove]

I live in Florida.... we have bears, large turtles coyotes etc. I had 6 now 4. I have tried to put mine up but they don’t want to go in. I’m concerned I’m going to loose all of them. I’m good with spending the money for a large kennel but everyone tells me a bear will get into almost anything. Best to leave them out to get away on there own. Don’t know what to do. Got these guys at a year old and they free range. Next batch I will train to come in.

 

[Yardmom]

I live in Florida.... we have bears, large turtles coyotes etc. I had 6 now 4. I have tried to put mine up but they don’t want to go in. I’m concerned I’m going to loose all of them. I’m good with spending the money for a large kennel but everyone tells me a bear will get into almost anything. Best to leave them out to get away on there own. Don’t know what to do. Got these guys at a year old and they free range. Next batch I will train to come in.

Do you have a pond or something else they could get away to? If not you might want to try feeding just before dusk to try to get them to learn to come in at night.

 

[Selahlove]

I live next to pond. If I can bring them in what do you all use? They stink up the place quick. I use a large dog crate with a tray. My to Harlequin went in and my two Rouens panicked.

 

[SolarDuck]

The favorite setup I have seen for bringing ducks inside is a large kiddie pool filled with bedding with chicken wire up around the sides.

 

[Ratchnick]

I live in Florida.... we have bears, large turtles coyotes etc. I had 6 now 4. I have tried to put mine up but they don’t want to go in. I’m concerned I’m going to loose all of them. I’m good with spending the money for a large kennel but everyone tells me a bear will get into almost anything. Best to leave them out to get away on there own. Don’t know what to do. Got these guys at a year old and they free range. Next batch I will train to come in.

Electric fences work great for bears.