Getting ducks into a coop.

[scrampsey21]

I just got two ducks that are now mixed in with my 10 chickens but i cant seem to get them to go into the coop at night. The coop has a ramp that goes up so im guessing that may not be able to even get up there. The problem is, i keep the food in there so it doesnt get ruined which means they cant eat. I fed them today but i cant leave the food in the run. any ideas on how to get them in, or some sort of ramp or steps so they can get in? Also, another quick question, does anyone know of a drinking water system where the ducks dont get the water all flithy?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your ducks should probably be kept separately. Ducks aren't good with ramps or smaller coops. Ducks are always messy, at both ends, which isn't a good thing with chickens which need things dryer.

Pictures of your set up would help too.

 

[scrampsey21]

i have two coops leading into a run. the chickens sleep in one and i was hoping to have the ducks in the other. both coops have steep ramps. Would making it more gradual work or maybe making steps?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Could you put their coop lower to the ground? Sides on the ramp may help. It also will take them a while to become familiar with their new home, so you may need to catch them and put them in there for a week or two.

 

[scrampsey21]

Could you put their coop lower to the ground? Sides on the ramp may help. It also will take them a while to become familiar with their new home, so you may need

Could you put their coop lower to the ground? Sides on the ramp may help. It also will take them a while to become familiar with their new home, so you may need to catch them and put them in there for a week or two.

ok thanks, it's not possible for me to lower it. Here's a photo. It's screenshots from
A video but the ramp is in it. I can send a better photo tomarrow though

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Duck feet aren't designed to climb, you are going to have troubles getting them to go up that unfortunately.

 

[CayugaJana]

Duck feet aren't designed to climb, you are going to have troubles getting them to go up that unfortunately.

X2
I bought a chicken coop for my ducks thinking they would love it. It's so pretty. And they never go in it. It's way too high and ramp is slim like yours. I fear if they regularly go in it, they will end up injuring themselves. I plan on unscrewing mine from the run and placing it on cement blocks, and widening the doors so the can use it.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Hmm. This is a challenge! If there's no way you can lower it, because ducks have webbed feet and are much more unstable than chickens, you may have to consider getting a different coop unfortunately. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
I personally would hate being in a situation like yours!!!
Sorry for you!!

 

[CarleeAnn]

ok thanks, it's not possible for me to lower it. Here's a photo. It's screenshots from
A video but the ramp is in it. I can send a better photo tomarrow though

How do they get into that pond they are in? Maybe build a deck from the pond and add a wider, more gradual ramp from there?

For your water, maybe you can get an idea from this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/created-a-water-saver-for-my-duck-brooder.641902/

Make sure your water isn’t too far away from the ducks food! They need water to eat. But I would also suggest if you put the food or water in the coop to remove it at night, they don’t need it.

My ducks go up a rock ramp into their pond. I built it out of cement blocks, I’ll post a picture, but it’s a very gradual slope.

 

[chickens really]

I trained my Ducks to use ramps...I have two coops with ramps...My husband made wider ramps with better grip for the Ducks feet...I used a long stick and said bed time...Up they go....