I need a small duck coop for the winter!

[SterlingAcres]

Quote:
No, I wasn't planning on crossing any of them. If I do decide to have ducklings I will purchase a Muscovy hen.

This may be a newbie question but, what does sterile mean anyway?

The ducklings won't be able to produce babies at all.

 

[olp_63]

Quote:
I didn't think they could be left out in a run all the time, because of preditors. I feel bad locking them up in a small coop every night and during bad weather. I think I might combine a secure run and the dog house idea and allow them to have access to the run whenever they want. Unless of course the weather is EXTREMELY harsh. You can never tell what's coming next in Michigan

 

[Alaskan]

sounds like a good plan.

I would make sure you have a covered (snow and wind free area) in the run. Best if you can have the water and feed there to keep the coop clean.

that is what I am trying to set up for me, with the water plugged in to keep it from freezing.

 

[ravenfeathers]

Quote:
everyone i know who had ducks let them out during they daylight hours year round and keep them in a snug shed, barn, or coop at night.

edit: of course, predation is always a possibility with free ranging. if you're worried about predators, a run is a better option.

 

[Heather J]

Sterile means they wouldn't be able to have babies. Good luck with the dog house!

 

[lilchick]

My hubby built my ducks a house a few years ago and it still works well...He used treated plywood for walls, top and floor and built it on 2x4 runners. I can move it around as needed...
A simple drop door and a sloped plywood top that is hinged to lift up to clean.
I keep it well painted and he added a small window on each side like 5x8 in. and covered them with chicken wire on the inside. Just a simple 3 ft. by 4 ft. house for my muscovy hen and babes.
The only time the cold weather seems to affect them is if their feet stick to the ground! They will lay down and tuck their feet up under them. I also keep plenty of straw bedding around the outside of duck house for them to lounge on.
And fix them pans of feed soaked in warm water.
they love that!