Making my duck pen "prettier"

[pullonyourboots]

So we have a large chain link fence area for our duck pen... looking for ways of making it not so hard on the eyes? We were thinking something like grape vines over the top and down the sides but i know those are toxic it most animals including ducks... what are some growing vines that are duck safe? unless someone else has other ideas! im all ears!

 

[johari]

I put painted lattice around the outside of my run. It looks great.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I put painted lattice around the outside of my run. It looks great.

Pics please..

 

[johari]

I need to do some edging over there in front if the fence, but you get the general idea.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I need to do some edging over there in front if the fence, but you get the general idea.

Looks nice and helps also from a pred being able to get through to grab someone unexpected. I think shrubs would be nice too. Rose of Sharon which grows super fast here is one that blooms and grows tall that would look nice planted along the front of a run.

 

[my sunwolf]

Love the lattice idea. I don't have many stationary runs, but I would plant some sort of bushes or shrubs in front of them, maybe evergreens, or even a patch of berries. I like the grapes idea for overhang as well. A few small-type trees may be good for shade as well. If they're on the outside, and not growing up the chain link, I wouldn't worry too much about them being duck-safe. I've read that ivy is duck-safe and duck-proof, so that might be something good to have growing up the chain link.

 

[my sunwolf]

p.s. I have heard that grapes are toxic to dogs, cats, and others, but I have never heard anyone saying they are toxic to ducks. In fact, they are often a recommended duck treat. Just to give you hope for that grape vine!

 

[AK Baha]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/545715/making-a-chain-link-chicken-run-look-attractive Don't know if this will help. There are some good ideas in this thread.

 

[johari]

Looks nice and helps also from a pred being able to get through to grab someone unexpected. I think shrubs would be nice too. Rose of Sharon which grows super fast here is one that blooms and grows tall that would look nice planted along the front of a run.

I actually have two grape vines growing in front of the lattice. The ducks and chickens don't bother them at all, can't even reach them really. I have two bushes growing inside the pen, i dunno what they are exactly, but the birds leave them alone. They love laying under them for shade (and to hide from me when i try and catch them, buggers).

But in a few months I'll be rebuilding my pen in a different area of the yard. So I'll be transplanting some things. I did have to put a barrier around my grape vibes though because they ate the only batch of grapes it produced this year. At lay they do leave the leaves and vine alone.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I actually have two grape vines growing in front of the lattice. The ducks and chickens don't bother them at all, can't even reach them really. I have two bushes growing inside the pen, i dunno what they are exactly, but the birds leave them alone. They love laying under them for shade (and to hide from me when i try and catch them, buggers).

But in a few months I'll be rebuilding my pen in a different area of the yard. So I'll be transplanting some things. I did have to put a barrier around my grape vibes though because they ate the only batch of grapes it produced this year. At lay they do leave the leaves and vine alone.

They probably thought you planted them just for them.