My baby ducks light is so bright I don't know what to do

[KathiQuacks]

Not right now my dad and I are going to get one this week but we have been trying to figure out what is best to keep them the most safe

I highly recommend building your own coop instead of getting one pre-made. Many pre-made coops are small, overpriced, and not predator proof.

I built my first duck coop a few months back. It took a bit of time to plan, but only 1 day to build. It’s big, strong, walkable, and way more affordable.

 

[hailey_marie]

This might help you and dad figure out what is best for your setup.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/
You def want them safe and secure so hardware cloth will be a mTheust, ventilation is another very important issue. Don't use poultry fencing it will keep our ducks etc in but will not keep out predators. If possible make a duck house that you can stand up in, so much better to clean. Hopefully this link will give you some ideas.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/byc-coop-section-helpful-thread-index.206328/
another thing do you have a night light? you can put that in your room so your ducklings can get used to less light and hopefully you'll be able to sleep. I am like you I don't sleep well but I do have a night light in the bathroom right off my room and it doesn't keep me awake

I highly recommend building your own coop instead of getting one pre-made. Many pre-made coops are small, overpriced, and not predator proof.

I built my first duck coop a few months back. It took a bit of time to plan, but only 1 day to build. It’s big, strong, walkable, and way more affordable.

I did talk to him about that! What materials did u use if u don't mind me asking??

 

[Miss Lydia]

I highly recommend building your own coop instead of getting one pre-made. Many pre-made coops are small, overpriced, and not predator proof.

I built my first duck coop a few months back. It took a bit of time to plan, but only 1 day to build. It’s big, strong, walkable, and way more affordable.

Pictures?

 

[hailey_marie]

Keep us updated on what you decide and we will help with any questions you may have.
What are the breeds/breed of your ducklings?

Ofc i will I have an Indian runner and a Cayuga

 

[hailey_marie]

Pictures?

I would definitely appreciate that

 

[CoriM]

I agree with Miss Lydia, coops need to be spacious and predator proof. If you have racoons you can't use chicken wire or chain link - you really need to use hardware cloth, and dig down a foot, then go a foot outwards, putting cinder blocks if possible. It will be good to have a roof to protect from elements and also an enclosed sleeping area that you fill with pine shavings or straw. Keep in mind that ducks' big pleasure in life is foraging through grass and swimming, so start planning how you might safely provide that. Wading pools are a great place to start for swimming, and you will need to put a ramp up to it and a block on the inside so they can climb out. At this age yours are still babies, so should only swim for short periods and always supervised.

 

[hailey_marie]

I agree with Miss Lydia, coops need to be spacious and predator proof. If you have racoons you can't use chicken wire or chain link - you really need to use hardware cloth, and dig down a foot, then go a foot outwards, putting cinder blocks if possible. It will be good to have a roof to protect from elements and also an enclosed sleeping area that you fill with pine shavings or straw. Keep in mind that ducks' big pleasure in life is foraging through grass and swimming, so start planning how you might safely provide that. Wading pools are a great place to start for swimming, and you will need to put a ramp up to it and a block on the inside so they can climb out. At this age yours are still babies, so should only swim for short periods and always supervised.

Oh my gosh the cinder blocks underground so they can't dig into the cage is genius!!! I am 100% going to do that for them whenever I start building a cage for them! Also I know they love swimming they have a little kiddie pool they play in but I never fill it up to much and make sure there little beans can touch the floor a little

 

[ChicNmom]

@hailey_marie

You can get a no light ceramic heater bulb.

https://www.amazon.com/HealSmart-Re...8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[KathiQuacks]

I did talk to him about that! What materials did u use if u don't mind me asking??

- Standard 2 x 4s.
- 3/8” standard plywood panels.
- 1/4” hardwire cloth, though 1/2” works too.
- Circular saw & wire cutters for any cutting.
- Drill, screws, and washers to hold everything together.
- 2 hinges and 2 latches for the door.
I also varnished some of the wood, namely the floor, before assembly for extra protection / waterproofing.

Depending on predators, you may need thicker panels / stronger wire. The biggest predators I have here are coyotes.

My coop is 6W x 10L x 6H, 60 sq ft, and could hold up to 15 ducks (4 sq ft per duck), but I just have 11 ducks. With you having 2 ducks, you could have a much smaller coop (unless you want more ducks in the future!).

Pictures?

My coop is up on my back porch and therefore doesn’t have a wide / sloped roof, nor does it have a run, but yours should. It’s also very open & ventilated due to the heat here.

 

[hailey_marie]

@hailey_marie

You can get a no light ceramic heater bulb.

https://www.amazon.com/HealSmart-Reptile-Heat-Lamp-Ceramic/dp/B0C2CLL8J4/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2LWRKJ9KU7NY3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MkE65nUkW3toWgJC7Z43ZaDEkttJK91xaYCCs_Xh5lO8YqE-LGVRZCk8C2XX3U_5B1JxwC6Na1Zz3qWqDEp42efoahPvJiEZ6hSKk9nx-tfIu-Qqlj96Q08fbdwdFnnLKMT6ztkLNxSMvtt9iVo23UpArSWLqf198oFH9xnUxZRzqT4kMnyPqA0g1eK6f72ia7PH7ScTue8_8TTBOmKFtKyES9fOVfQb8uW0IZg1hiKMm_9Bb1iL44GQmw6Pk5nNZk2zjgqVPguInMT9U0HIs_RJ--Fd6hOj-7QBJUi4OeQ.QjcpDfJsZ21FmEUj0aIBpcBA5Y0IoOCUP9uDwHN20e0&dib_tag=se&keywords=ceramic+heat+bulb&qid=1721095423&sprefix=ceramic+heat+,aps,101&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

IM BUYING THIS TOMORROW THANK YOU SO MUCH