had an idea for a place to raise mandarins or wood ducks HELP!

[maransfan16]

so for a few years now i have been wanting a pair of mandarins but didn't know of a good way to set up a pen and i just had this idea. i thought i could build it up off the ground and have one of those plastic fish ponds in it but have the pond resting on the ground so the surface of the pond will be floor level for the birds. when i thought of this i wondered about cleaning and i figured build the cage up higher and set the pond on a shorter platform and have a pipe running out the bottom of it with a plug in the bottom of the pond. next i figured i could build a ground level house for them to get out of the weather in although i plan on the whole thing having a roof. and then up in one corner of the pen off the ground have a nest box. also how large do i need for a floor plan i have read that they don't need a large area so i thought maybe 20x20 and maybe 6' tall in the pen itself. another thing i have read is they are hardy will they be ok in winter? where i live harsh winters are uncommon but we do get snow and right now it's about 34 degrees according to my themometerand it often times gets much colder than that but hardly ever below 0. also how are they with heat we do have very hot and muggy summers will they be ok with that to? how does this sound to you guys? i'm sorry i am bombarding anyone who is reading this with questions but i want to have everything in order before i go out and get a pair, please help me lol

 

[JJRS]

20 x 20 is more than ample. Mandarins are similar to NA Wood Ducks-they are cold and weather hardy, being "wild" birds indigenous to temperate / northern climates. A 3 inch thick concrete lined, reservoir type, pond with a drain (as described) works well. Based on your post you have the right idea, remember they are cavity nesters.

 

[maransfan16]

thank you. what would be the minimum space required should something come up and i can't make it that big

 

[JJRS]

(I will say 10 x 10 for a pair or 2). Try this angle instead-"What is the biggest, nicest, most well built aviary I can reasonably construct? The larger and "nicer" the aviary the more you and your birds will enjoy it. Most likely you will wind up with more birds than originally planned anyway.

 

[maransfan16]

yes that is what i was thinking thank you. i kind of thought that too that if i can make it bigger then that is what i will do but if my budget only allows a 10x10 then i may just hold off. and you are probably right with the fact about getting more that seems to be my problem lol had that with pigeons said just three or four WRONG try 15. or goats just a nanny and a billy i said WRONG AGAIN try 10 nannies and a billy. or chickens, just 10 hens and a rooster NOPE 35 hens two roosters