Finished the new duck coop err pen orrrr whatever its called?

[EGreen6823]

Hey everyone this is my first post. I am new to this whole duck thing so here is the pen that I built out of pallets and some old scrap wood. It is basically done minus the chicken wire and feeders and what not. I am curious if this looks good or if there is anything I should add, change or remove? I will be ordering my 3 runners soon and want to make sure i have everything set. Any thoughts or ideas thanks everyone!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Don't use chicken wire, it won't stop predators from getting to your ducks. Use hardware cloth to enclose the open areas. Also make sure there is plenty of ventalation, a fully enclosed box will cause they to become too hot.

 

[Going Quackers]

How cute! nicely done. Suggestion wise, ventilation i see none? and windows which can double obviously .. Don't know what sort of predators you have but ensure nothing can dig under the main portion and get in.

You mention chicken wire? don't use it, useless against most predators.. either get hardware cloth or use a chain link with a hardware cloth about 2-3ft around the bottom to prevent reaching in attacks.

 

[EGreen6823]

Hardware cloth..got it now I get to go return my chicken wire! yea there is a large vent in the top of the box (unfinished) but I will add some more. As far as predators we dont really have any, never seen anything around and when there is something in the backyard (such as a neighbors cat) our chocalate lab Corona runs out the dog door to escort it out of the yard

 

[Going Quackers]

Hardware cloth..got it now I get to go return my chicken wire! yea there is a large vent in the top of the box (unfinished) but I will add some more. As far as predetors we dont really have any, never seen anything around and when there is something in the backyard (such as a neighbors cat) our chocalate lab Corona runs out the dog door to escort it out of the yard

Good! and you likely won't till the ducks show up, unless you have something the predators wants they won't come around but as well don't underestimate the damage pet dogs/cats can do.

 

[mrshaggie810]

Nice! I'm new too, and designing my pallet coop/house for my ducks right now!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hardware cloth..got it now I get to go return my chicken wire! yea there is a large vent in the top of the box (unfinished) but I will add some more. As far as predetors we dont really have any, never seen anything around and when there is something in the backyard (such as a neighbors cat) our chocalate lab Corona runs out the dog door to escort it out of the yard

You still never know what lucks in the dark[preds] until you put out supper[ducks] best to be safer than sorry. If you live where it doesn't get extremely cold you can even cut out windows and attach hardware cloth over to protect them. They do wear down so they really don't get that cold. Ducks/chickens etc. need lots of air flow. they just need to be protected from extreme drafts. Oh and excuse my manners

it's really a cute duck hut way to reuse wooden pallets.

 

[EGreen6823]

Oh and my next question what should I be feeding the new ducklings? and what should I switch them to once they mature?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Starter feed, then maintenance

Or

Flock raiser/all flock

 

[chicklady2012]

chick starter and then layena pellets! or start and grow . whatever your town has available.