Duck Run Ideas

[AppleNouns]

I've got a nice variety of interests and hobbies, so I've been thinking about duck runs and possibilities.

I'm still learning about raising ducks, but I'm just in the mood to create some designs and such. Especially if they might be helpful or someone could use them somehow.

If I figure out how SketchUp works, I might be able to even make free 3D models and plans for things.

I also just wanted a place to collect information in a easy to read and organized way on duck coop and run setups for myself and anyone interested.

 

[AppleNouns]

Idea 1: Moss Flooring

Pros:
» Doesn't seem ducks want to eat it
» Improves draining of water
» Seems to easily absorb defecation
» Prevents ground from becoming a mud pit
» Soft but still provides footing/seating for duck
» Easy to transplant

Cons:
» Duck does like to dig under it
» Not sure how you'd grow it if you don't already have it somewhere you can transplant from

How I Transplanted:
1. Layered some rocks on the area to level it out a bit, used those stones that are like broken bricks. I'm not sure what they're called our even if they're a common thing but we have them everywhere. I made sure to fill in the holes Marius dug.

2. Found best patches of moss that were in the lawn, plants growing in the moss are also a bonus, like the mock/Indian strawberry, clover, and grass.

3. I used a shovel to cut out strips of moss, making sure to get a bit of the dirt under it. It's important to gently lift up and free the moss as you go and the edges.

4. Once you cut it out, you can just roll it up like sod and flop it down on top of the dirt, rocks, whatever. Again, plants mixed in really help hold it together and might be good for adding greens to your pen/run.

5. Watered it a bit, pressed it down and sort of blended the edges of the strips together to discourage Marius from making a mess of it.

6. Enjoy!


More Information:
A corner of our yard by the woods had been taken over by lots of moss. I noticed Marius isn't interested in eating it, plus it seems to drain well. Figured it was worth a shot because Marius usually just hides in his house, plus he was digging really big holes in the mud around his waterer. Got everything done as described above, he loves it and sits on it all the time, plus there's less mess and it seems really great at reducing mess.

Pictures:

Bonus- Castiel just wants to be friends but Marius isn't having any of it. Castiel even sat and cuddled with Marius and Cosette when they were little, but they always chase him around!