So, we have had chickens for a number of years and now our family would like to get some ducks. But, I have some questions before we get started. Thank you for your responses in advance.
1.) I plan to convert an old 12'x12' chicken coop into my duck coop. The coop has a dirt floor. I'm wondering what would be the ideal way to handle flooring material/bedding. I've always been partial to shavings, but with ducks being ducks, I feel like I may need to add something between the dirt and shavings. I was thinking about bringing in about 2" of pea gravel and covering that with another 2" of dried sand to assist with drainage. After that, I am planning to add shavings, but will likely go with straw for their nesting area (unless shavings work well for that as well). Does this sound like a good plan? Is it too much? Too little? Please keep in mind that I am in Michigan so the winter climate will also be a factor and likely cause me to house some food and water in the coop during the winter months.
2.) When housing food and water in the coop, I plan on making a removable pit over which I will place a hardware cloth screen with the feed and water on top of the screen. I'm hoping any dropped feed or splashed water will then end up in the removable pit, instead of on the coop floor. I am also planning on making my own no mess waterer out of a 5 gallon bucket, as well as either a 4" PVC or trough-style feeder. Any thoughts or suggestions?
3.) Is it generally okay to mix the size of your ducks? For example lighter weight breeds with heavier breeds though I am assuming one would want to avoid a heavy weight drake in with lighter ducks?
4.) If our ducks have a swimming area within their run, do we have to worry about them getting into our pool if we let them free-range? (It's one of those temporary, above ground, 4' high pools.)
5.) What should we plan on for noise level? We would likely get about 10 ducklings and the coop is about 100 yards away from the house.
6.) What are your favorite duck breeds? What would you recommend? We love social, family friendly breeds. We also love a variety of colors, both in our ducks and in our egg basket.
Any other information you want to provide would also be appreciated.
1.) I plan to convert an old 12'x12' chicken coop into my duck coop. The coop has a dirt floor. I'm wondering what would be the ideal way to handle flooring material/bedding. I've always been partial to shavings, but with ducks being ducks, I feel like I may need to add something between the dirt and shavings. I was thinking about bringing in about 2" of pea gravel and covering that with another 2" of dried sand to assist with drainage. After that, I am planning to add shavings, but will likely go with straw for their nesting area (unless shavings work well for that as well). Does this sound like a good plan? Is it too much? Too little? Please keep in mind that I am in Michigan so the winter climate will also be a factor and likely cause me to house some food and water in the coop during the winter months.
2.) When housing food and water in the coop, I plan on making a removable pit over which I will place a hardware cloth screen with the feed and water on top of the screen. I'm hoping any dropped feed or splashed water will then end up in the removable pit, instead of on the coop floor. I am also planning on making my own no mess waterer out of a 5 gallon bucket, as well as either a 4" PVC or trough-style feeder. Any thoughts or suggestions?
3.) Is it generally okay to mix the size of your ducks? For example lighter weight breeds with heavier breeds though I am assuming one would want to avoid a heavy weight drake in with lighter ducks?
4.) If our ducks have a swimming area within their run, do we have to worry about them getting into our pool if we let them free-range? (It's one of those temporary, above ground, 4' high pools.)
5.) What should we plan on for noise level? We would likely get about 10 ducklings and the coop is about 100 yards away from the house.
6.) What are your favorite duck breeds? What would you recommend? We love social, family friendly breeds. We also love a variety of colors, both in our ducks and in our egg basket.
Any other information you want to provide would also be appreciated.
