Paul Sabucchi
In the Brooder
- Oct 26, 2023
- 7
- 53
- 41
Ciao from Italy, in a nutshell I would appreciate advice on what plants/climbers I could grow up the supports to give some cover to the boxes when the ducks start nesting, was thinking of vines but not much foliage that early in the year. Advice on improvements to the area in general also welcome.
Over the last few months I have set up an aviary about 1330 sq ft, currently housing a pair of wood ducks, one of white mandarins, a juvenile pair of mandarins and two serama hens. It has 6' high sturdy fencing doubled inside with fine chicken wire and topped with high strength polyethylene 2" mesh that droops down the inside of the fencing to give some padding should the ducks freak and fly against it. I want to try my hand building from the bottom drain in the duck pond a swirl filter using the 130 gal tub in the photo, the concept works well for the koi pond so could make water changes less frequent or ar worst will make another bathing area. By the way the koi pond is just above the aviary so the runoff from the filter keeps part of the soil permanently wet and suitable for marsh plants. I have made 3 nest boxes and planning to build at least another 3 and put some branches across as perches (not being used yet as the breeder did not give his any, will put more if they start using them). During summer there is a corner that remains in the shade of the Almond and the Fig tree outside while inside I have planted an Alder and two cherry trees (one may not have taken). For winter as it can snow I have I am considering getting a pair of Red Breasted Geese (may have to improve the grass and sow some clover as well) and/or other kind of ornamental birds that could share the space with the ducks, my wife has got poor eyesight so bright colours are preferable (golden pheasants too stroppy?).
Ciao e grazie!
Over the last few months I have set up an aviary about 1330 sq ft, currently housing a pair of wood ducks, one of white mandarins, a juvenile pair of mandarins and two serama hens. It has 6' high sturdy fencing doubled inside with fine chicken wire and topped with high strength polyethylene 2" mesh that droops down the inside of the fencing to give some padding should the ducks freak and fly against it. I want to try my hand building from the bottom drain in the duck pond a swirl filter using the 130 gal tub in the photo, the concept works well for the koi pond so could make water changes less frequent or ar worst will make another bathing area. By the way the koi pond is just above the aviary so the runoff from the filter keeps part of the soil permanently wet and suitable for marsh plants. I have made 3 nest boxes and planning to build at least another 3 and put some branches across as perches (not being used yet as the breeder did not give his any, will put more if they start using them). During summer there is a corner that remains in the shade of the Almond and the Fig tree outside while inside I have planted an Alder and two cherry trees (one may not have taken). For winter as it can snow I have I am considering getting a pair of Red Breasted Geese (may have to improve the grass and sow some clover as well) and/or other kind of ornamental birds that could share the space with the ducks, my wife has got poor eyesight so bright colours are preferable (golden pheasants too stroppy?).
Ciao e grazie!
