Duck house

[slifeh]

I’m planning on getting a couple of ducks. I’m wondering if anybody has attempted to make a light weight portable duck house/ run that can with-stand all 4 seasons and below negative temps in winter.

 

[thumper650]

One issue I can think of is a mobile duck run would not protect against digging predators. As long as they're in a secure house, they'd be fine.

If it was just a huge cage with a floor maybe that would work.

 

[slifeh]

One issue I can think of is a mobile duck run would not protect against digging predators. As long as they're in a secure house, they'd be fine.

If it was just a huge cage with a floor maybe that would work.

I’ve never had predator problems during the day with any poultry. Maybe that’s just luck? I pin up my chickens at night so the same would apply to the ducks.

 

[thumper650]

Yeah, I was thinking at night they should be locked up securely. I should have been more clear. : )

 

[slifeh]

Yeah, I was thinking at night they should be locked up securely. I should have been more clear. : )

I have a metal swingset frame which I figured would make a good portable coop/ run.. what’s the lightest way to make it? I’ve seen other forums where people recommend cement floor vs wood but that wouldn’t be possible. Any other flooring suggestions?

 

[thumper650]

One of my runs has a cement floor, the other has an apron with pavers, and the hardware cloth goes into the ground.

How often do you plan on moving it?

 

[slifeh]

One of my runs has a cement floor, the other has an apron with pavers, and the hardware cloth goes into the ground.

How often do you plan on moving it?

During the spring/summer it would be similar to a chicken tractor so it would be moved daily. Winter time it would just stay in one spot. I’ve seen some people use vinyl flooring what are your opinions on that?

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Ducks nest on the ground, so I'd build a "hoop coop" style chicken tractor with a shelter on one side for the ducks (and maybe some storage above it so as not to waste the space), and use temporary anchors to secure it during periods of bad weather, or seasonally, depending on how often you plan to move it (the screw in augurs for anchoring sheds, RVs, etc if your soils will tolerate them).

Lightweight, strong, can be predator proofed with relative ease, then drop a skirt around the outside to deter diggers - could even rig a basic hinge, so the skirts can be secured to the sides while moving, then untie/unlatch/whatever and drop them into place when its at the new location.

 

[slifeh]

Ducks nest on the ground, so I'd build a "hoop coop" style chicken tractor with a shelter on one side for the ducks (and maybe some storage above it so as not to waste the space), and use temporary anchors to secure it during periods of bad weather, or seasonally, depending on how often you plan to move it (the screw in augurs for anchoring sheds, RVs, etc if your soils will tolerate them).

Lightweight, strong, can be predator proofed with relative ease, then drop a skirt around the outside to deter diggers - could even rig a basic hinge, so the skirts can be secured to the sides while moving, then untie/unlatch/whatever and drop them into place when its at the new location.

I think I understand what you mean but I’d like to use this metal swingset frame because I already have it laying around.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

A-frames aren't as strong, will loosen up with time and repetitive moves (so use bolts - easier to retighten, nylon locknuts or locking washers where you can). Aframes also use the available space less efficiently - but I'm all for repurposing what's already on hand. Good luck with your build, and if you check the chicken coop articles under "Chicken Tractors" you may find some Aframe inspiration.