My first duck pen, using 4ft chain link... any roofing suggestions?

[Kyle85]

I've built a 15' x 15' x 4' chain link enclosure for a couple ducks. I've read through many threads on here about chain link coop roofs, but it seems everyone has a 6' dog kennel.

So, obviously I need to extended the height of my fence 2'-3' so I don't have to hunch over while I'm in there. I've got a few ideas on how I might do it, but I'd like to see if any of you experts here have better ideas.

Initially, I was going to stick 1.5" pvc down inside the 4 terminal posts... having them stick 2'-3' above the fence height and then use some elbows etc.. to make a pitched roof. I had planned on using some heavy duty polyethylene bird netting over the top of the pvc frame, but it appears that racoon's would chew right through that.

So, I'm back to the drawing board.

I'd really like to cover at least half (maybe all) of the roof with something that would provide shade, as there aren't any huge tree's around to provide it. My problem with that is hurricane season. I live in Florida and I'm guessing a good gust from one of those would send my roof sailing. I considered shade cloth, but then I would have no protection from rain.

I'm sort of lost at the moment. I'm not sure what kind of support system or roofing material(s) to use that won't fly away or fall down. Something that will keep my ducks safe from predators and the elements. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, pictures available on request.

 

[Zahboo]

Well if you build a high pitched roof, you can have it either a frame with 6' in the middle and 4' at the sides, or a 6' down to 4' shed roof. Also, are you putting chicken wire around the bottom to keep their heads in and predators out?

 

[patandchickens]

I am not really getting why ducks would need protection from rain

Seriously. They are *ducks*, right?

As far as the raccoon-proofing angle, you are not going to be able to do it without spending a lot of money (you'd need strongish rafters placed every 6' or so, and a whoooole lot of 6' high 2x4 galvanized wire mesh fencing). A roof would cost quite a lot to build, I would eyeball it as being in the several thousand dollars range for a 15x15 area and then a hurricane might well rip it right off.

So my suggestion regarding raccoons and other nighttime predators would be twofold: 1) lock the ducks into a predatorproof duckhouse at dusk every day, and 2) if you are concerned about raccoons etc ripping through a netting roof to TRY to get to the ducks, use electric fencing. I really would not recommend electric as being the ONLY thing between predators and a duck dinner, because electric is just not that reliable; but as a second level of safety (first level being, the ducks are locked up at night) it works really well.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Scott]

Maybe 2x4 galvanized livestock fencing? That's what I use for the top of my chicken pens and I will probably use it to top my duck pen. If secured correctly, raccoons can't get thru it. I'm planning a duck pen right now for my four call ducks. I debating what I will cover it with also. I have a 10x10 dog pen I could use or might make a new pen/aviary with 4x4s and livestock fencing. I haven't decided yet.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Hi Kyle! I'm glad you want to take such good care of your ducks.

Yes, ducks DO need a way to get out of both rain and sun. My ducks will stay out in a gentle shower, but if its a really hard rain, they go right inside the coop. They don't like it.

I agree that roofing something that size would be cost prohibitive and difficlut too. How about building a small coop for nighttime? Attach it to the pen and leave it open so that they can go in during the day if they need protection from rain or sun or just to get a little privacy. A coop needn't be large or expensive, just a small secure place for the ducks to be at night.

 

[AHappychick]

My ducks love the rain, as long as there is some shelter the water wont bother them. Since you are in FL you dont whave to worry about the cold.

Honestly I would just put a side piece of chain link at the roof This way you can stable it properly with the clamps and then cover part of it for shade.

I realize that bending down is not ideal, but I think it would be easier than trying to build the fence 2 more feet up and then putting on a roof.

 

[Kyle85]

Quote:
Yea, now that I think about it... I won't really be hanging out in there or anything. Only to mow the grass, clean up, feed, etc.. It may not be such a problem to do that after all.

I'm putting 1/2" hardware cloth 2' up the chain link and then .5" underground with 1.5' stick outward.

Quote:
That's not a bad idea. It wouldn't keep out smaller critters from stealing food etc... but I could always add some smaller netting afterwards if it were a problem. I roughly calculated that I'd need around 100'+ of the 48" 2x4 livestock fence. I'm guessing I'd just connect the 48" pieces together using some type of hog rings? If I did my math right this stuff weighs about 1/4lb per sqft. I'd be at 400+sqft so I'd be looking to support a good 100lbs of weight.

I'm still leaning towards using 1.5" pvc as the framing, unless anyone could suggest something better. I just don't know how much weight that stuff can handle.

Thanks for the pictures, btw.

Quote:
The amount of wire fencing should be around $100 to do the roof. I'm not sure about the frame though. I think I'd be fine with something at each end of the fence and something holding up the middle as well.

I've only ever seen a few opossums in my yard, never a raccoon. Though I know they live in this region. I also don't live out in the middle of the woods or anything. It only takes one though, so I just want to be as safe as possible.

I want to avoid having to lock my ducks up at night if at all possible. I'll have a place for them to sleep inside the enclosure so they can come and go as they please.

I'm not sure about the electric fencing, sounds like it would work great, but I don't really like the idea of having live wires on my small 1/2 acre of land with other pets around and children etc..

 

[AHappychick]

I have my hot wire fence hooked onto a timer so that it goes on at night 10 pm at the moment and off at 6 am i also have signs up everywhere warning people. I also worry about children and neighbors going to look but with the timer I have had no problems, anyone lurking around my coops at that time is up to no good anyway and deserves a zap.

 

[Junkmanme]

I wouldn't be shy of using 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe to hold that weight, if you also support it (with PVC) in the center (hoops or gable-style rafter construction). I would use a top ridge-beam (PVC) or a couple of PVC purlins on the sides.

PVC is surprisingly strong. I WOULD spray-paint it with that paint that is made especially for plastics though. I think that paint is called "Fusion". This painting is because PVC is particularly succeptible to deterioration from UV light rays. The "Fusion" paint will prevent this.

I built a greenhouse (hoophouse) with 3/4 inch PVC, suopported with 2x4 ends and a reinforced 2x4 ridge-beam and PVC purlins on the sides. It is VERY STURDY and has withstood 50 mph winds.

good luck!

-Junkmanme-