how much space need 3-4 Muscovy Ducks?

[Miss Lydia]

Oh yeah, you can make them real predator proof. Over the cattle panels you either put 2X4 inch welded wire or even hardware cloth. Then over that you put a heavy duty tarp. You can even fix it to where you can raise the sides when it's hot.

Here's a pic of a friend of mine's (Beekissed) coop that she built. You can built one for $200-250.

I like that, let us know when you start so we can follow progress.

 

[Going Quackers]

Oh yeah, you can make them real predator proof. Over the cattle panels you either put 2X4 inch welded wire or even hardware cloth. Then over that you put a heavy duty tarp. You can even fix it to where you can raise the sides when it's hot.

Here's a pic of a friend of mine's (Beekissed) coop that she built. You can built one for $200-250.

How do you secure the wire to the cattle panel though? i am very familiar with cattle panel have them here for the sheep but i also know how easy it is to pop off wire that isn't screwed down, so i would be massively concerned how i would keep a pred from taking off the smaller wire, i am not sure how one could secure that?

 

[Triple Willow]

How do you secure the wire to the cattle panel though? i am very familiar with cattle panel have them here for the sheep but i also know how easy it is to pop off wire that isn't screwed down, so i would be massively concerned how i would keep a pred from taking off the smaller wire, i am not sure how one could secure that?

Some people put the cattle panels on the frame first then place the other wire over that and zip tie it or wire it on. I believe I would put the other wire on the cattle panel before I attached the cattle panels to the frame. You could secure it really well with wire, hog rings or zip ties while it is laying out flat. Then when you nail or screw the cattle panel to the inside of the frame it should all be secure.

 

[Triple Willow]

I like that, let us know when you start so we can follow progress.

I could use 2-3 or really more of these. They would be good for storing hay, lawn mowers, etc -plus birds, sheep/goats, dogs, etc. The cattle panels are about 15 feet long and a little over 4 feet tall. If you make the hoop coop 8 feet wide the cattle panel will be about 6 feet tall so you can walk into it pretty easy. You could make whatever size you need for the coop then make another with or without the tarp for a secure run. I've never seen anyone try it but I bet you could weld two cattle panels together end to end and make a huge coop. But... it might need a center support.

 

[Going Quackers]

Some people put the cattle panels on the frame first then place the other wire over that and zip tie it or wire it on. I believe I would put the other wire on the cattle panel before I attached the cattle panels to the frame. You could secure it really well with wire, hog rings or zip ties while it is laying out flat. Then when you nail or screw the cattle panel to the inside of the frame it should all be secure.

Interesting, just thinking out loud i suppose it would depend on your pred factor.. just i know what some are capable of and those panels leave super large gaps.

 

[Triple Willow]

Interesting, just thinking out loud i suppose it would depend on your pred factor.. just i know what some are capable of and those panels leave super large gaps.

What kind of predators do you have? What kind do you think could get through that? There are also the hog panels that have the holes closer together but they are not 4 feet tall, more like 3 feet I think. They would be stronger maybe but it would take more of them. I'm not sure what they cost but I think the cattle panels are around $20 each. I would still fence a good sized area around where I put the coop in electric for free ranging. An electric fence or poultry netting takes care of most predators, not all but most.

 

[Triple Willow]

If you have a Tractor Supply near where you live you can get them there. You can go to their website and compare the panels.
The cattle panels are $19.99 each - 16 feet long/50 inches tall. They will last a really long time. I have had some around here for about 20 years and they are still fine. I plan on making some of these hoop coops with them.

 

[new breeder]

this was our original chicken coop but of course we kept adding chickens so they out grew this, My duck raised her hatchlings here last summer til l they were 3 weeks old I put up temp fence around it to keep the flock from being able to get to the ducklings until they were old enough to get away, the mama went back to her drake and the 3 ducks stayed so i have 2 ducks and 1 drake in this coop. both doors open for clean out and there are vents all round top of front and back and 2 windows on each end for great ventilation, very important when having poultry.

i want t make one like this for my duck's (for start) it looks very good, and very protective, plus i think i need t take 1 little dog t grow with my shocken and duck's a verry good friend protector and alarm

 

[Miss Lydia]

i want t make one like this for my duck's (for start) it looks very good, and very protective, plus i think i need t take 1 little dog t grow with my shocken and duck's a verry good friend protector and alarm

Training a dog is a great idea. Takes alot of effort but pays off by a safe flock. keep us updated on progress when you start your duck house.

 

[new breeder]

Training a dog is a great idea. Takes alot of effort but pays off by a safe flock. keep us updated on progress when you start your duck house.

i want t finish my chicken coop this days for my little chicks, after all i think i will take my ducks after 2-3 months... they need t start laying eggs and hatch and take little duckllings t learn and growin my buckyard !