Planning a new coop and I have a space question...

[aduckstolemyheart]

I am building the duckers a new coop. I'm in the planning stage now, and I would like to start getting materials so when it warms up I can start building. I looked at a lot of the threads here and got a lot of good ideas, but I still have a few q's.

Just for a referrance, here's the plan I had for the coop. A sleeping area (which most of my questions are about) and an additional outdoor pen/run which will house their stock tank, and will be available to them all throughout the day as well for daytime swims/rest. I was thinking 5 ft tall x 5.5 ft wide and 9 ft. long just for the little outdoor space, and food and water. Sound alright?

As for the sleeping coop/pen, I found a lot of recommendations on sq ft. space per duck on live in aviary/runs. But my ducks only need a night pen, as they free range all day. So given this is only really a night/sleeping pen, I know that requires less sg ft. of space. How much actual sleeping space do they need? I have 4 ducks now, but am planning on more, so I would like to build space for about 8-10 ducks.

In addition to that, is it better to build a solid wood enclosure for sleeping, or leave some sides wire?

And of course, any tips of the trade you can offer, please feel free!

Thanks in advance guys!

**edited to add that I have bigger ducks (Pekins, Saxony, and one Swede) not calls, or little ducks.

 

[duckfat]

From: http://www.duckhealth.com/housmngt.html

Table 2. Floor Space Allowances For Ducks

Age of weeks Space/Duck (sq cm) Space/Duck (sq ft)
1 289 0.31
2 576 0.62
3 1024 1.10
4 1369 1.47
5 1764 1.90
6 2116 2.28
7 2304 2.48
Developing Breeders 2500 2.69
Laying Breeders 2809 3.02

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

So sounds like a 5x6 sleeping area would be sufficient. I don't know why it sounds so small...

Thanks! Any suggestion on material for the sleeping pen? All wood, or wood and wire for more ventilation (will have an opening in the front to have access to outdoor section)? Any kind of wood better to use than others?

 

[duckfat]

Quote:
I suggest pressure treated plywood for anthing that is going to come in contact with the manure. They will need ventilation due to excessive moisture, so provide openings covered with hardware cloth.

It's not that small. I have three muscovies that like to sleep in the 3' x 4' LGD's doghouse.

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

Thanks for the info! Sounds like I have a solid plan then!

To anyone else, I guess the thing only left is if someone has some "if I had it to do over" advice!

 

[The Duck ABC's]

More is better. You need space for them to move around, space for the nesting boxes, space for the feeding/water station, and space to store your stuff. So for 10 ducks a 10x10 foot space will accommodate all of this. That gives you plenty of space to put everything in there, plus they can spread and flap their wings.

 

[Hattiegun]

is your outdoor pen going to be enclosed? If u preditor proof the pen area and attatch it to your coop and have a pet door so they can come and go when they want , then you wouldnt have to worry as much on the size.. my hut is 6 x 8 and i have 4 calls . They go in the hut alot and sleep in it during the day some but dont use it at nite. They like to stay in their little pond , and since their pen is preditor proof, no worries. I just wrapped it in plastic for the winter.. today it was 55 degrees in their pen (25 and calm outside)
also they dont have to be put away or let out if you schedule gets tight..(nice days and summer they get to free range tho..
The inside of my hut is lined with glass board.. i still use towels on the floor and have straw in a section they like to nap.. it cleans with a wet cloth. I have 2 nest boxes in opposite corners and a board over the top of them to make a shelf to keep feed ect and it gives them ALL the floor room.. also hung some cupboards for storage. Ihave a small window (that Ive never had to use) and a front vented window (u can see in pic) for ventilation .

I tried to make it so that when they do have to stay in , that they have pretty much everything they need. Gives me peace of mind. its worked out very well so far.
Do they actually sleep all nite ?? LOL LOL

 

[aduckstolemyheart]

The Duck ABC's:

The 5x6 section, is strictly the sleeping portion of the pen. I am also planning a 5.5x9 ft. enclosed outdoor portion that will house stock tank to swim in and food and water. Sound better?

Hattiegun,

The outdoor pen will be enclosed. I plan on using a combination of wood framing and heavy 19 gauge wire with .5" holes. That sound predator proof enough? I want to make sure the wire will withstand even the most determined coon.

I had planned on making a door in the outdoor section that can be left open when they are free ranging, so they have can access the tank. Then at night I can shut and lock it.

I always let them out to free range during the day, but it would be nice not having to get up at the crack of dawn and let them out. I could sleep in!

Your pen has been one those on BYC I have always envied! It's so beautiful, and has everything a duck could want! I wish I could get the city to let me one that nice! The glass board is a great idea too and I bet it makes cleaning so much easier! I really appreciate the tips. I want to make sure I get it right this time (the pen I have now is sooo hard to access and clean) and I want the ducks to be happy.

Thank you so much, and you have one nice duck resort!