So after tossing around a lot of duck coop ideas, we decided to split the chicken house down the middle, and cut the chicken numbers by 3, from 9 to 6, and decide on 6 ducks total to keep. We know we're going to be moving, when, we're not sure. next year, 5 years... not sure. But we can use a shed mover to move the bird house, and having it all self contained makes it one trip.
I had 7'x100' of the plastic bird netting, which I heard ducks destroy. So we put 2 feet of plywood on the bottom. Then I was worried the chickens wouldn't see it, so I hung around and watched and they eyed it and didn't fly for the edge, so they seem to know the mesh was there.
We figured we'd do the inside first, to get the ducklings out from under the roosts. Under the roosts we left it as a box, so that I can affix a dog crate side piece that fits perfect, as needed, for babies growing out. It's 4 1/2ft by 3 ft-ish. But dark, without a light added.
So, chickens on the left, ducks on the right! The 3 pullet girls live with the ducks for now, until we cull the selected 3 hens. I'm waiting on the pullets to start laying before culling. I need to add roosts for them today. next weekend we'll do the run, then we'll cut a pop door, and the ducks will be done and we can move on to the rabbit pen.
Chicken side...
Duck side, I tried their water on 3 bricks instead of one, has made a difference in how much is wasted. Chick waterer hidden on top of a nest box for the chickens backup.
Each side is 8ft x 5 ft. We had replaced the front doors with barn style doors with windows in the top side, and so with the addition of a simple eye hook latch, I can control what door is open when, in case I only want the ducks out, or only the chickens. We had installed a slide latch in the top of the left door, to make a firmer close since it was wanting to make a v when shut. Now basically I can latch shut either side as needed.
Husband and I actually worked on it together instead of me drawing it up and leaving. That was fun! Usually we bicker when we work together, but I was able to get him to slow down and avoid mistakes (for the most part... the first floor runner board was 3 inches short....). My rule, measure twice, cut once. While he's a big fan of diving right in with the saw and making fast "progress". But it worked out well.
I had 7'x100' of the plastic bird netting, which I heard ducks destroy. So we put 2 feet of plywood on the bottom. Then I was worried the chickens wouldn't see it, so I hung around and watched and they eyed it and didn't fly for the edge, so they seem to know the mesh was there.
We figured we'd do the inside first, to get the ducklings out from under the roosts. Under the roosts we left it as a box, so that I can affix a dog crate side piece that fits perfect, as needed, for babies growing out. It's 4 1/2ft by 3 ft-ish. But dark, without a light added.
So, chickens on the left, ducks on the right! The 3 pullet girls live with the ducks for now, until we cull the selected 3 hens. I'm waiting on the pullets to start laying before culling. I need to add roosts for them today. next weekend we'll do the run, then we'll cut a pop door, and the ducks will be done and we can move on to the rabbit pen.
Chicken side...
Duck side, I tried their water on 3 bricks instead of one, has made a difference in how much is wasted. Chick waterer hidden on top of a nest box for the chickens backup.
Each side is 8ft x 5 ft. We had replaced the front doors with barn style doors with windows in the top side, and so with the addition of a simple eye hook latch, I can control what door is open when, in case I only want the ducks out, or only the chickens. We had installed a slide latch in the top of the left door, to make a firmer close since it was wanting to make a v when shut. Now basically I can latch shut either side as needed.
Husband and I actually worked on it together instead of me drawing it up and leaving. That was fun! Usually we bicker when we work together, but I was able to get him to slow down and avoid mistakes (for the most part... the first floor runner board was 3 inches short....). My rule, measure twice, cut once. While he's a big fan of diving right in with the saw and making fast "progress". But it worked out well.
