Paint or ? for duck enclosure...

[m.kitchengirl]

So, I built my enclosure about 2 months ago. It has an enclosed pool area with pea gravel around it, as well as their drinking water (great advice from folks on BYC, thanks!) and a sleep area where I plan to add nestboxes in spring.

When I picked up my supplies from Home Depot I asked the friendly helper what I should use to finish the wood. I explained what I was using it for, he said, "Most people use this weather proofing stain,". I read it and it was latex based and said it was pet/kid safe.

Well, it may be WEATHER proof but it is NOT duck proof.

I want to repaint this weekend. I also want to add a linoleum floor to the house area because I don't think there is a paint in the world as duck proof as linoleum.

What paint did you use? I know that it has to dry for at least 24 hours and have set up a space in my breezeway to keep the ducks. My S.O. is away for a few days, so I can bring them in the house. Our little secret, right?

I want a paint that can be a really pretty color. The ducks and hens and I are the only ladies on the property, or for miles around, actually. I can't paint lovely periwinkles, reds, or purples inside my house, but I can girl up my duck house all I want.

I'm adding pretty window boxes to the outside & have a friend coming to make a window and shutters next week. It has ventilation that is covered with 1/4" hardware cloth, but it is shaded and I want it to be as bright as possible through winter. In spring I plan to add a frame to the roof and plant a garden up there, edible flowers and the like.

 

[Amiga]

Sound like some really lovely ideas! When can we all come over to see??

I used sheet flooring, that goes up the walls several inches on all sides. Then I screwed 1"x3" trim boards across the top edge of the linoleum. That does two things: hides my mistakes cutting and setting the linoleum, and keeps duck poop from running down under the edge. No, really, it is amazing how high up they can send that stuff sometimes.

For finishing, I have not yet painted the inside. It's untreated plywood - interior only - as I was concerned about them being in long term close contact with the treated wood. Maybe not an issue, but I was cautious. My plan (some day, some day) is to paint the interior with milk paint. How nontoxic is that!?! And it's going to be fun. I already have the paint, but need to schedule the time after other higher priority duck projects (finish the winter/storm pen in the basement) are done.

ETA: If you want something more washable, you might get that by adding tung oil to the milk paint.

 

[newbyduckmom]

Amiga what is milk paint?

My other thought was we ladies like bright colors, but my ducks seem to be afraid of them. Will they adjust to the bright colored house over time (in that case I may have to girly-up my duck house too!)?

 

[m.kitchengirl]

I am not sure what milk paint is either. It sounds great though.
I will definitely post pictures, once I find my camera. It has been MIA for a few days & I want it because my Anconas are just feathering out beautifully and the coop is starting to be nice as well as functional.

I had not heard that about bright colors and will bear it in mind. I'll go for muted (but still pretty) colors.

Thanks all. I am so glad we have BYC to turn to for inspiration & guidance.

 

[Arielle]

You will like the milk paints, as they are muted colors; bright colors just not possible. So a google search and you should find MANY sources. Very old New England colors.

Love the linoleum idea up the walls. Should have lined my horse stalls with it!!

 

[TLWR]

I just used some exterior latex paint and put several coats on the floor and partway up the walls. I did this close to a year ago and it is still hosing out every day just fine.
I painted it outside, let it dry for 4 hours (or whatever the label said) and recoated it. Then repeated the next day. I have at least 4-5 coats on there.
Paint likely came from HD and would be the Behr exterior. We went with a brown since we were painting hurricane boards for our windows, so I just used that paint.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Milk paint is a great idea.
I primed everything with a low VOC primer (from Lowe's but any good paint store should have a no or low VOC) and then any milk paint over that should work for you.

 

[m.kitchengirl]

Fantastic! I decided to wait until next weekend - luckily my S.O. is in a really busy bluegrass band & away most weekends. It allows me to have part time house ducks.

I'll post pics next week.

What's YOUR favorite duck house color?

I have Anconas, they match everything.

 

[Amiga]

The color I selected is a medium forest green (it's still in the powder stage though . . . sheesh)

The duck house is next to some junipers so I wanted it to blend in.

 

[ChickInDelight]

We need pictures.