New duck pen

[Lucyspals]

I am building new duck pen with roof. I am going to put straw in some areas for ducks to get off ground. What should I use on main middle ground, it will have full roof, should I just leave natural or put something down to keep it cleaner. Currently free range so not in pen much.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What will it be like in winter will they spend more time inside and can you have blowing snow or rain ?

 

[Lucyspals]

What will it be like in winter will they spend more time inside and can you have blowing snow or rain ?

They will have some blowing snow, I am in Michigan. I think once it freezes I will keep them in pen all day, maybee let out some in evening to go in pond with aerator. I know if I leave natural nothing will be washed away much, so don't know if I should put something down then clean out once in a while, I use compressed cut straw in their house.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wonder how river rock (Lowe’s and Home Depot). It’s round and has no sharp edges then put the bedding inside their house. Only problem you probably won’t get to wash it off in winter.
@onaharley lives in Michigan I would like for her to share her set up for you.

 

[Lucyspals]

I wonder how river rock (Lowe’s and Home Depot). It’s round and has no sharp edges then put the bedding inside their house. Only problem you probably won’t get to wash it off in winter.
@onaharley lives in Michigan I would like for her to share her set up for you.

Great thanks any info is helpful.

 

[onaharley]

Hi there! I use paver sand for my base. Then I put straw on top of that and clean daily. The sand acts like a giant kitty litter box when the poop falls through the straw. The straw is better for their webs as sand can be abrasive.
In the winter I put 5-6 inches of pine shavings on top of the sand. Then top with straw. The pine shavings gives a nice warm base that doesn’t need to be changed out until spring. Top layer of straw gets removed daily and replaced with new. I add pine shavings often to make sure I keep my 5-6 inches bedding for them. I’ll have to go through my pictures and post them to give you a visual, but I’m at work so it won’t be until later this evening.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I really like your set up @onaharley. I think ya'll living in the same area weather wise will help a lot.

 

[Lucyspals]

Hi there! I use paver sand for my base. Then I put straw on top of that and clean daily. The sand acts like a giant kitty litter box when the poop falls through the straw. The straw is better for their webs as sand can be abrasive.
In the winter I put 5-6 inches of pine shavings on top of the sand. Then top with straw. The pine shavings gives a nice warm base that doesn’t need to be changed out until spring. Top layer of straw gets removed daily and replaced with new. I add pine shavings often to make sure I keep my 5-6 inches bedding for them. I’ll have to go through my pictures and post them to give you a visual, but I’m at work so it won’t be until later this evening.

Thank you so much this is so helpful, I can start getting stuff for it.

 

[onaharley]

Here are some pictures of when I cleaned and refilled the pen with new sand.

 

[Lucyspals]

Here are some pictures of when I cleaned and refilled the pen with new sand. View attachment 1943475View attachment 1943476View attachment 1943477

Wow looks really nice, I like it!