Micro Farm DUCK HUT Worklog

[Coffeemama7]

I really like this hut.
I'm wondering how you will clean it out, though?

We use 1/2 of a huge plastic dog kennel right now, and we lift it up and hose down the brick patio.
What will you do? Just wondering.

I have not figured out how we will house the ducks this winter yet.

 

[mrsengeseth]

I like this very much, very clever! i love the idea of using green roofs too whenever possible, so this is all the more exciting to me.

i look forward to reading more of your updates and seeing more pics.

 

[Going Quackers]

You have done a great job

i really like the design. I think it's great how people share the step by steps really helps those of us looking for inspiration.

 

[DarkWolf]

Quote:
Both the left and right roof sections are going to be hinged and allow them to be raised up to allow access to the inside. The inside of the hut will have a fairly thick later of pine shavings in it. Since the ducks don't spend anywhere near the amount of time in the coop that the chickens do, I figure I should not have to clean it that often and will only need to mix things up with a rake from time to time between cleanings.

Our chicken coop uses the deep litter method and I only have to clean it once a season in the early spring so I can get the litter out into the garden to break down before tilling.

 

[galgo98]

THANKS for the postings!! I enjoy seeing your progress (or lack of, due to the elements). It makes me feel better that we have not gotten as far as we would like on our duck house either... DARN RAIN!!

I was planning on putting a green roof on our already existing shed/duck house. What are your thoughts on using EPDM liner and the 2' x 3' heavier plastic trays that plants come in. (my DH is not quite sold on the idea of plants on the roof yet & I thought the trays would be easier to remove). The trays are about 3" high and have holes in the bottom. We are also going to put down some 1/2" lathing strips between the EPDM and the trays to allow for run off. We already reinforced the inside of the shed with 4x4 posts to help support the weight.
Also, which type of stonecrop are you using? Our roof only gets about 6 hours of good sun. I am worried that most stonecrop needs full sun.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks again for your postings!!!

 

[thefishery]

That's awesome!

 

[DarkWolf]

Quote:
I would not put that much $ to it for EPDM. I picked up a sheet of UV stabilized PVC liner on eBay dirt cheap. Here's what I figure... It's for a green roof, so I don't have to worry about UV exposure anyway. There's no traffic, so no need to go 40mil thick. Helps to keep costs down.

As far as using planting "trays" like you say, that would work fine and would actually work out very well. You will not need anything under the trays for drainage though as the only thing the drainage layer is for on a green roof is to prevent erosion. The trays will create their own drainage channels.

Quote:
How big is the shed? You'll also want to buy a big bag of Perlite from somewhere and mix it with the planting medium you plan on using in the trays. I got this from eBay as well.. Big 20 gallon bag was something like $30 shipped? Can look it up if you like.

Quote:
To the best of my knowledge it's Sedum sarmentosum. It does fine in shady areas. So long as the soil is rich, it will thrive and grow huge. It IS very tenacious and can easily spread where ever it may be dropped. We love the stuff, so no complaint there. But it's easy to pull up [shallow mat roots] if you find it growing somewhere you do not want it.

If you'd like some I'd be happy to pull some up and pack it into a small box and send it off if you'd pay for the shipping.

 

[terrilhb]

Awesome

 

[galgo98]

Quote:
I should have mentioned that the EPDM was previously used and purchased from craigslist for $30 for a 15' x 18' piece. The shed is about 9' x 14'. It was purchased to be the "end product" on the roof until I stepped in!!

Quote:
ok. I think we are trying to overthink this!!

Quote:
I got some "lite" planting medium and perlite to mix together from a local nursery. They sell the same mixture to a landscaper who installs green roofs. They recommended some sedums or vinca, but I like the look of yours better. This is also where I got all of the trays for only $5. And was told to come back if I need more!

Quote:
Thanks for the offer! We have a large number of nurseries in the area. I will try them first. I haven't had very good luck having plants shipped in the past.

I appreciate you answering all of my questions! I know I only have one shot at this and if it doesn't work I will be looking at an ugly black rubber roof on my duck shed....

 

[bryan99705]

Great little goose hootch...

... keep up the pictures as I'm probably gonna steal some ideas