Duck Coop

[tia]

I live in Alaska. We get lots of snow and wind but it doesn't usually get below zero here. I am going to buy the materials and the High School Shop class is going to build me a duck coop. I'm wondering about size. How big should it be for them to stay warm. What kind of flooring do you put in? I know it should be insulated. Mostly I am going back and forth on the size. I was thinking something like 4 by 4 or 4 by 6. Is that too small or too big. I have a little chain link, dog run that I was going to cover and put next to it so they can go outside if they like. Can anyone help me with this. I don't really know how much room they need. I do know that they need to stay warm, so want to keep that in mind.

Thanks,

Tia

 

[Scott]

I would try to make it larger than that. For seven ducks, I would think something larger than that would be in order. I have my four call ducklings in a 4x8 brooding pen and, personally, I think that is too small. And you have to keep in mind that calls are miniature ducks unlike runners that are full-size ducks. The house itself doesnt have to be much more than a large doghouse. With your weather, you may want to insulate it. You can see a photo below of my 4x8 pen. I am currently working on an 8x8 duck pen.

 

[Cetawin]

normally 3 - 4 sq ft per duck would be appropriate meaning 21 - 28 sq ft or 4 x 6 up to say a 4 x 8. With them needing to be indoors so much in the winter months, I would give them a 6 x 8 or 48 Sq Ft. Remember the need for nest boxes too so the sq ft per bird is available floor space, not including their nest boxes.

I would put a solid plywood floor and cover it with vinyl or something of that nature...then add your bedding on top. Much easier to clean!