Duck Coop Idea

[Bmmjz Chicks]

I'm looking to build a duck coop that my ducks can fly/get into but is also predator proof. I have chickens with a predator proof run because I don't want to forget to lock them in at night and loose my whole flock. My local predators are raccoons, red fox, and coyote. I'm wondering if I can build the coop on posts so it is 4'-5' high to the bottom of the coop and door and wrap the posts in smooth sheet metal so they can't be climbed. Will this work or does someone else have a better idea? I have a ditch around my yard with water most of the year so they would be much happier to have access to my yard rather than be locked in a coop and run all day.

 

[ChickenLuv0528]

That idea sounds great! Our hen-house is on 2' poles above the ground with a ramp leading up into the coop. The only problem with your idea (that I can think of) is that your ducks may not know how to get in! You said you had raccoons, coyote and red fox? I think the most dangerous of that group are the raccoons... My philosophy is if you can make it raccoon proof, it can usually stand up to other predators!
Good Luck on your coop building!

 

[ducklover87]

I'm looking to build a duck coop that my ducks can fly/get into but is also predator proof. I have chickens with a predator proof run because I don't want to forget to lock them in at night and loose my whole flock. My local predators are raccoons, red fox, and coyote. I'm wondering if I can build the coop on posts so it is 4'-5' high to the bottom of the coop and door and wrap the posts in smooth sheet metal so they can't be climbed. Will this work or does someone else have a better idea? I have a ditch around my yard with water most of the year so they would be much happier to have access to my yard rather than be locked in a coop and run all day.

It might work if they are flyers but ducks, unlike chickens, can't climb ramps very well. Some people can get their ramps just right but if the building is 4' or 5' off the ground I'm not sure if it will work. Other than that your idea sounds great.

 

[Bmmjz Chicks]

I just wish there was a way to test the coop without loosing birds. I'm thinking someone has to be out there who has some type of predator proof coop that is similar to my idea, or they have tried it and it doesn't work.

 

[cosbackyard]

I just wish there was a way to test the coop without loosing birds. I'm thinking someone has to be out there who has some type of predator proof coop that is similar to my idea, or they have tried it and it doesn't work.

It'll depend upon whether or not your ducks can, and do, fly that high. Mine won't go much higher than a foot in the air.