Duck coop is it ok?

[Ashley0marie94]

Wanted to hear how I did on building this with a reused rabbit hutch and also ideas for the ramp to make it easier for ducks to go up and down

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Are your ducks using it? Ducks generally do not like ramps. Does the coop actually have a place for them to sit in? I can't tell from the pics.
As well, the coop isn't really predator proof with that chicken wire. It would be better to add hardware cloth and an apron (to prevent digging predators). Predators can rip through chicken wire fairly easy. Is their run secure?
Better yet, build walls around the bottom of your coop/hutch to make it more of a shelter and then you wouldn't need a ramp.

 

[sirrobyn0]

I'm going to through in my thoughts too since you only have one responder so far. Soon2BChixMom makes some good points, especially where it comes to predators. So this reused rabbit hutch would make a rockin' chicken coop albeit small. For ducks it's not as good. As Soon2B mentioned ducks don't really like ramps, but it's a wide ramp which is a plus. If they use the ramp and go up into the top at night you'd be wise to make some way of closing them off up there so they can be secure at night, that would reduce predator issues. Keep in mind Ducks like to have 24/7 access to water so you'd need to have water in the top area too. Last but not least that little tub your using for water is fine while they are young but when they get a little older they are going to need a body of water big enough for them to get in, dunk their heads and swim. Think about ducks in the wild, they don't play around in mud puddles they swim in ponds and lakes.

The more I think about it the less I think the old rabbit hutch is a good idea. It's probably fine while they are young, but as adults they are really going to need a larger space, for a bigger body of water, and ideally a secure place on the ground to rest and nest. Could you make the old rabbit hutch work? Probably with enough work to secure it and expend it, otherwise maybe it's best to build something better suited to the Duck and keep the old hitch around for future babies.... Those are my thoughts.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Ducklings should have 24/7 access to food and water, but once they are older they don't need it all day. However, if you let them have access to food, they need water regardless of age.
My ducks get put to bed at dark with no food or water.

 

[sirrobyn0]

Soon2b, I have read exactly what you have written before, and I have no doubt that adult ducks can go all night without food and water, but in my experience the ducks will go straight to the pond when let out in the morning, which is why I said "like 24/7 water access" not need. Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say though.

 

[PirateGirl]

Hmm... thoughts... you will have to observe and see how they do with the ramp and if they will use it on their own.

Another use of the same hutch that might be more conducive to ducks would be to take the top part and put it on the ground and link the two modules side by side instead of one on top of the other. They would still get full use of the space and it would eliminate the need for the ramp.

I think this can work for now as a brooder, but will likely be tight on space when they are full grown. My Blue Swedish are easily two to three times the size yours are now. They are certainly bigger than all of my chickens. It is not a particularly small breed. Also mine are kinda clumsy and would probably have trouble with the ramp/hatch in the floor, but I have heard others say their ducks navigate their ramps just fine. Perhaps it's what they are used to... perhaps it depends the duck... as previously mentioned, you'll have to watch and see if they have problems with the ramp or not.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Soon2b, I have read exactly what you have written before, and I have no doubt that adult ducks can go all night without food and water, but in my experience the ducks will go straight to the pond when let out in the morning, which is why I said "like 24/7 water access" not need. Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to say though.

Oh, sorry I misread what you said?
My ducks do not have a pond. Just a kiddie pool. They run out of their coop and great me and then check on their food.

 

[Sue S]

I would definitely secure it with hardware cloth, u can put it over top of the chicken wire to add double security. I have 4 ducks & I keep food & water in their pen at nite just in case they get hungry, plus putting in a kiddie pool in the pen if it's big enough so they can swim is a good idea. We have a huge pond that they go to during the day & free range but at nite when their in the pen I want them to be as comfort able as possible. The truth is they are just very spoiled ducks!!!!

 

[Sue S]

Here is a pic of my new duck pen we just build it's not quite finished we have to finish the roof but it will hopefully give you a better idea of duck pens & they like to be on the ground.

 

[sirrobyn0]

Soon2be, no need to appologize what I wrote wasn't clearly stated, I see that now re-reading it. A lot of good thoughts going on this for the OP thats for sure!