Is this a good DUCK PEN? UPDATED pics post 21

[Scott]

Very nice. I like how you conserved floor space by putting the nests on the outside. I also like the planter idea.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Quote:
Sorry, I should have specified.... my ducks will have their feathers cut. I live on a small piece of land so I cant build them a big enough run, but I will let them out to rover around in the back yard so I will have their wings clipped.... and that means they will need ramps up to their nests

Ahha! That makes sense! Nevermind me then!

Laurie

 

[ConchRepublic]

Just had a thought... instead of having the 3 ramps, why not make it so it's 2 "ramps" with hardware cloth stretched between them? Make one giant ramp. Just throwing out an idea.

 

[Chosen Chickens]

Quote:
Good idea... this is actually a question I would like those that have had these types of ducks to answer.... is it a big deal at all to the ducks what kind of ramp it is.... if its one big ramp or a ledge with one ramp going to all three or anything like that.... will this effect the likely-hood of them nesting or not?

 

[1lpoock]

I really like nettie's idea. I dont think it would be too much of a problem, if something really wanted to bother them, they could do it anyway with individual ramps. The ramp off to the side works because my ducks are always flapping their wings while they are in the water.

 

[nettie]

having enough wing space and room to move around seems more important that making the pen so they are most likely to nest. If the nesting instinct is strong in your new birds, they should have no problem with one ramp. The first box may get used the most, but the other female should figure out to move the the next is she wants to nest.

 

[Chosen Chickens]

Quote:
Maybe I will put a few of those duck shoes you sell in one of the other nests to entice them to not use the first one.... do you think that will work?

 

[Chosen Chickens]

here is an update picture with what you are talking about.... I would make the ramp wider, but is this what you were thinking?

 

[Birdcrazy]

I know im supposed to be helpful and give advice... but i LOVE your design! what lucky ducks you have!

 

[Chosen Chickens]

New questions with my design.... I am planning on making the floor out of chicken wire.... at least down by the pool, so that the mess is way way way easier to keep under control and the water will just fall through down to the ground so my questions are these:

1. Someone asked Scott is the wire will cause bumblefoot... will the ducks be at risk for this?

2. Is there any other concerns having a wire floor with ducks?

3. I am thinking about installing wheels on the bottom for easy moving throughout the yard little a chicken tractor... anything I need to worry about with that?

I really appreciate all the help... I am itching to get over to the hardware store but I want to make sure I have hashed out everything and have it exactly like I want it before doing so!