Hoop coop idea for overwintering my garden boxes

[Floof]

So I was at tractor supply and I ended up walking out with 7 ducklings for $2. I need a place to put them when they outgrow the brooder and I'm thinking of making 2 "hoop coops" to go over my unsuccessful garden boxes and over wintering them there. Our soil was poor and didn't hold water and didn't have enough nutrients and everything I planted is stunted and sad. Duck poop and bedding can't hurt the situation. I would make them 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, housing 3 and 4 ducks each. I originally was thinking to make them as short as possible to make them lightweight so come spring I can move them off more easily but is it worth making them tall enough for me to get into if need be? Sick bird, turn over bedding, retrieve an errant food container? I just wanted some opinions while I kick around the idea. Factors to consider: Im pregnant and due in December with no family support besides my other kiddos so I need something inexpensive and easy. I also don't want to have to let them out and close them up every day so I'd prefer it double as their house and run.

 

[cavemanrich]

Im pregnant and due in December with no family support besides my other kiddos so I need something inexpensive and easy. I also don't want to have to let them out and close them up every day so I'd prefer it double as their house and run.

I do not see an easy solution that I can suggest.
Hoop coops require cattle panels, which are not exactly cheap. Then you need to deliver home. You may need more than your family car to do so.
Then there is the clear plastic tarps for roof. You would need such,,,, as you would need light when growing things in your garden boxes. The ends need to be securely closed, and the cattle panels need to be secure with hardware cloth,, which is outrageously expensive.
Clear plastic is also pricey. Without proper securement, predators will snack out on your ducklings.

Where will your ducks be when spring gardening starts??
Also you state that your help is limited.
No idea of your location, so not sure what winter conditions your ducks will face.

Can you possibly get a used coop from someone, that is discontinuing poultry keeping??

Ducks do need fresh water and in somewhat deep containers. Are you able to provide that during winter cold weather.
I know you are expecting an Angel in December.
Lets see what others suggest.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,