Just remember, ducks, especially pekins, due to their size, have a hard time walking up ramps - they need to be very gradual. They fall and step off the sides as well, so if you don't have a little railing, make sure it's not too high that they can hurt themselves if they fall off.
I would suggest you look for used materials on Craigslist, OfferUp, Marketplace, Etc. I needed to build a grow-out coop for my ducklings this year but didn't have much of a budget for it. I've almost finished this one (it's 19.5 square feet) and so far I'm at around $20. It's made from a free shipping crate on Marketplace which served as all the walls, floor, ceiling, and door, a discounted gallon of waterproof stain for $9 at Home Depot, 1/4" hardware cloth for the window for $10 at our local bargain store, and 2 door hinges for $1 at Restore. I'm still keeping an eye out for roofing panels and a latch.
I’ve seen people use dog houses or old play houses as coops
Another source of free materials is your neighbors! Contact them through NextDoor. I am amazed at how generous folks are when I have advertised for duck related needs. I was just gifted a third robust sand pit as a wading pool for my ducks [My first was at home, then one for my son's ducks as he had sandpit envy when he saw mine; my third is for my ducks that are currently on an extended stay with me away from home.] My own coop was made entirely with free/gifted lumber, and gifted chicken wire, I bought hardware cloth for the underneath and the first 2 feet of the walls -- over the chicken wire. And I bought masons ladders -- aluminium wire ladders that are used to reinforce concrete drains. I hooped them and covered them in chicken wire. Best of all, a neighbor on whom I was only on nodding acquaintance as I drove past his home, came and helped me build my coop.
I'm sure it will be GREAT! Thanks for sharing!
Looks amazing! Please share the finished pic!
