I have no idea what I am doing

[Steven Mazzo]

Mine is probably a little more crude than you will do, but we used netting over the top and cut a tree, and draped it over.
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My momma Swedish still thinks I'm trying to take her babies. Squawks at me if i get within 10 feet. Calls the babies to her every time i come outside, like I'm going to grab them. Never mind that i fill their waters and feeders every day!
But i still *try* not to take it personally.

Thank you this is just what I need to see. I'm reinventing the wheel here and making a fortress. So not necessary to do. Thank you for the pictures. Did you burry chicken wire in the ground too so animals won't dig to get in?

 

[Steven Mazzo]

I'm putting the enclosure over grass. For added security I'm probably putting hardware cloth on the bottom so I need suggestions on what the cover the hardware cloth with. Topsoil and sod? Small concrete area for nails, sand pea gravel rubber mats???? Help please. Remember it only one duck in either a 10x10 or 10x15 area with a coop and a pond. I want to be able to clean it easy but do what's best for her as well

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Something like this is what we are going to do. Only I would use the hardware cloth.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

You can just let the grass come through the wire on the outside. . or hold it down with pavers or whatever you want. For additional security you *could* make a concrete footer for her enclosure to sit on. . .but that's costly and a lot of work lol

 

[mobius]

I think pavers around the pool will be nice for her nails! Maybe pool stepping stones with pavers...meaning to help her get into raised pool...

 

[Steven Mazzo]

Something like this is what we are going to do. Only I would use the hardware cloth.

I'm so affraid that's not enough but that is what everyone is doing and it would save me about 150/200 dollars by not doing the entire bottom of the run in hardware cloth

 

[biophiliac]

I'm so affraid that's not enough but that is what everyone is doing and it would save me about 150/200 dollars by not doing the entire bottom of the run in hardware cloth

I agree that the outside apron will be fine. Notice that you don not have to use fine mesh hardware cloth for the apron*, so you can save money by using the type of wire fencing shown in the video.

*Whereas just above ground you need openings small enough that a raccoon can not reach a hand in.

 

[biophiliac]

Why not start out with the grass surface for her run. Do you have 'Zoysia' grass? I've heard that's pretty durable and ducks are supposed to be easier on lawns than chickens. It might last longer than you think, except next to her pool where the pavers seem good as already suggested. Working on the build this weekend?

 

[shawluvsbirds]

I agree that the outside apron will be fine. Notice that you don not have to use fine mesh hardware cloth for the apron*, so you can save money by using the type of wire fencing shown in the video.

*Whereas just above ground you need openings small enough that a raccoon can not reach a hand in.

Ya it's probably not necessary to use hardware cloth. . I'm just thinking about rats weasel s or anything like that. . I'm over protective. Lol. I don't want anything getting in if I can help it. Not even a mouse lol.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Why not start out with the grass surface for her run. Do you have 'Zoysia' grass? I've heard that's pretty durable and ducks are supposed to be easier on lawns than chickens. It might last longer than you think, except next to her pool where the pavers seem good as already suggested. Working on the build this weekend?

If you have good grass I would start with that and leave the grass for now. You can decide later on what to fill it in with if the grass dies.
My spot has to be leveled and filled in so it wouldn't stand water so I don't have grass to start with. I'm going to try to employ the deep litter method By using pine shavings grass clippings leaves etc. Maybe add some straw in the winter.