How many ducks and what breed are you wanting to get? Since you're in NJ I think I would wait until the weather gets warmer so you don't have to deal with so much heating to worry about.
I use a clear plastic tote for a brooder (for about 2 days) until they get bigger and then mine move to a kiddie pool like the one posted by @BjaJra826 above.
When they get to the point that they can get out of the pool I get cardboard and stand it up all around the pool which works great and it costs nothing. Sam's Club has nice big pieces between layers of product on pallets and they are more than thrilled for you to take it away. If you've got one of those sectioned dog fences that works well around the pool too but only after they've gotten big enough that they can't fit through the holes in it.
Then after they've got all their feathers and can move outside they will need a safe and secure pen with 1/2" hardware cloth over all areas that predators like mink, weasels, snakes, raccoons, can get into. It needs to have plenty of ventilation. Ducks expel a lot of moisture as they breathe. When winter comes back they can get frostbite if the pen is not ventilated properly.
Then they will need a safe place for a run during the day. In my opinion, they need a fence and a cover over it to prevent a hawk from coming in for a kill. That is a horrible thing to walk upon that I can tell you from first-hand experience!
I have tons of ideas but I'd need to know what you are working with and maybe a picture of the area you are planning on putting the ducks in.
I use a clear plastic tote for a brooder (for about 2 days) until they get bigger and then mine move to a kiddie pool like the one posted by @BjaJra826 above.
When they get to the point that they can get out of the pool I get cardboard and stand it up all around the pool which works great and it costs nothing. Sam's Club has nice big pieces between layers of product on pallets and they are more than thrilled for you to take it away. If you've got one of those sectioned dog fences that works well around the pool too but only after they've gotten big enough that they can't fit through the holes in it.
Then after they've got all their feathers and can move outside they will need a safe and secure pen with 1/2" hardware cloth over all areas that predators like mink, weasels, snakes, raccoons, can get into. It needs to have plenty of ventilation. Ducks expel a lot of moisture as they breathe. When winter comes back they can get frostbite if the pen is not ventilated properly.
Then they will need a safe place for a run during the day. In my opinion, they need a fence and a cover over it to prevent a hawk from coming in for a kill. That is a horrible thing to walk upon that I can tell you from first-hand experience!
I have tons of ideas but I'd need to know what you are working with and maybe a picture of the area you are planning on putting the ducks in.
Very seldom they actually get in it to sleep though unless I heard them in and block off the door 
