First night tips?

[Maddog_photog]

I’m keeping my duckies locked up outside tonight for the first time. It is only 5:15PM here and I’m already rethinking everything and feeling fearful. I’m scared, and they’re enjoying all the treats in the world. I don’t want to lose them to a predator as I have unfortunately grown quite attached to them. How did any of you survive the first night outside with your ducks?
Do you spot anything that could compromise their safety with the pen? I didn’t have any help, it was all just born out of my imagination based on what I read online and having had chickens at my workplace. Any info/advice/bear hugs are greatly appreciated! “Peas” and Thank You!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Honestly that isn’t safe. A mink , weasel can climb right through that fence a raccoon can reach in an try an pull your duck through the fence (not pretty) is the top secure if not a dog or a coon could just push it out of the way to get inside.

 

[Maddog_photog]

Honestly that isn’t safe. A mink , weasel can climb right through that fence a raccoon can reach in an try an pull your duck through the fence (not pretty) is the top secure if not a dog or a coon could just push it out of the way to get inside.

I’ve got bricks holding the top down. How do I secure it? What do I need? Do I wrap hardware cloth around the whole thing?

 

[416bigbore]

Honestly that isn’t safe. A mink , weasel can climb right through that fence a raccoon can reach in an try an pull your duck through the fence (not pretty) is the top secure if not a dog or a coon could just push it out of the way to get inside.

I am with Miss Lydia on this one, not safe at all. A raccoon believe it or not would have no trouble lifting to top right off and getting in. I would take them back in for the night and go back to the drawing board and come up with something more predator proof. Good luck.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

I’ve got bricks holding the top down. How do I secure it? What do I need? Do I wrap hardware cloth around the whole thing?

it needs to be hardware cloth the full way around, and no way for anything to dig underneath

 

[Maddog_photog]

I am with Miss Lydia on this one, not safe at all. A raccoon believe it or not would have no trouble lifting to top right off and getting in. I would take them back in for the night and go back to the drawing board and come up with something more predator proof. Good luck.

I don’t know how to come up with something more predator proof. I’m all alone in this. Anybody have any ideas? Any at all?

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://thepoultryguide.com/duck-house-plans-you-can-build-this-weekend/. First off hardware cloth is the only thing that will keep predators out. A lot of members get old pallets and use them for building their coops.

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

I don’t know how to come up with something more predator proof. I’m all alone in this. Anybody have any ideas? Any at all?

- cement floor, and layer it with wood shavings
- ideally their night pen should be wood all around, including a wooden roof. t

 

[Miss Lydia]

Keep them safe until you can build a secure place for them. We don’t want you to be heart broken. Know any friends who might be able to help you build something for them?

 

[Maddog_photog]

https://thepoultryguide.com/duck-house-plans-you-can-build-this-weekend/. First off hardware cloth is the only thing that will keep predators out. A lot of members get old pallets and use them for building their coops.

This looks great... I have to get my ducks inside and get on dialysis and then I’ll go over the link! Thank you @Miss Lydia