My Mandarin Duck Pen - Completed - Photo Intensive

[Scott]

I just recently got my new mandarin duck pen completed. Until now, they had been living with my call ducks. The new mandarin pen was based on my raised call duck pen and modified to suit the nesting habits of mandarins. There are 4 wood duck style nest boxes in this new pen. Today I added an oak branch for natural perching, as well as some plants. I think I'll add an additional horizontal branch across the front of the pen up higher. I also added some ornamental sweet potato vine on top of the pen that will cascade down one side of the pen to give it a more natural feel for the mandarins.

 

[Bleenie]

I REALLY love the ornamental breeds like mandarins and wood ducks, Loons are my Fav. i wish i could have a pair but i have yet to figure out where the other animals are going in their new field!

ETA: are you going to build in a couple small boxes for the plants? (so that they don't knock them over). I think thats going to look totally killer when the plants get a little bigger. it looks great already.

What do you use to tack down the hardware cloth? I have used the u nails(big staples) but they look like crap.

 

[Scott]

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Thanks! I'm a fan of the ornamental breeds as well. Um, you know, I had considered permanent planters/plant boxes but I hate to cut into the floor of the pen. Time will tell. As for the hardware cloth, I use an air pressure staple gun with small staples. It works well.

 

[Bleenie]

Maybe you could make the 'box' angle up from the floor/base of the post? that way you wouldnt be messing up the wire and you'd still have that floor space & enough room for the roots to expand. im not sure about mandarins but i know the ducks i have had like to lay under the plants in the yard.

 

[1lpoock]

That looks very nice now that its all finished. You really have been creative with these pens and deciding where to put the nest boxes. I really like this idea and I think it looks awesome....nice, nice work!

 

[Scott]

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Thanks for the compliment. They seem content with their new pen.

 

[Scott]

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I may try something like that eventually.

 

[chickboss]

LOVE the plants. I'm even more inspired to get some small trees for my peacock pen! Great work on those pens.

 

[Bantymama]

Very nice. The plants give it a great look. They will be very happy in there.

 

[Scott]

Thanks! I think I'm going to add a few more plants and branches.