Duck Coop Help!

[Catie_Cat_]

Hello Everyone!! So, I have a little duck coop with three ducks. When they were little they would sleep in a closed sided dog kennel inside the coop, but now that they are grown they won’t use it (I assume it’s too small). I just took the kennel out today but I feel bad that they don’t have any sort of cover. Any ideas on designs for some simple little sleeping corner/area. I’m getting the impression they don’t like tight closed in spaces, but I would still like to have something as a little warm area or windbreak. I’d love to hear some ideas! Also, any ideas on why they don’t seem to be laying as well as they used to? (Not season related)

 

[Goosebaby]

Hello Everyone!! So, I have a little duck coop with three ducks. When they were little they would sleep in a closed sided dog kennel inside the coop, but now that they are grown they won’t use it (I assume it’s too small). I just took the kennel out today but I feel bad that they don’t have any sort of cover. Any ideas on designs for some simple little sleeping corner/area. I’m getting the impression they don’t like tight closed in spaces, but I would still like to have something as a little warm area or windbreak. I’d love to hear some ideas! Also, any ideas on why they don’t seem to be laying as well as they used to? (Not season related)

Mine sleep in a 4x8 ft roofed dog kennel with a tarp draped over it for a wind break. As adults they don’t usually like being in enclosed spaces unless they’re nesting.

Typically in the wild ducks and geese to be in wide open spaces so that they have a good chance at seeing a predator from a distance, so instinctively being in a structure is the opposite of what makes them feel safe.
After some time they do get the idea that a kennel, barn, or shed is their safe space at night, but they still don’t like to feel cramped.

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

This is my hut. They have the run of the yard in summer. At night they are in here. The run is 6x12...the shelter is on the left end....maybe 4x6...other than at night, they love being outside in the open air...