Question about coop

[Crazy Duck Lover]

I hatched out some ducklings and they will go to their outdoor coop in a couple of weeks. It is already built (we built it a couple of years ago for rabbits, but are modifying it for my ducks) and we need to make it a tad bigger. My question is... do they need a run (closed off area on the ground) if they’re only gonna be in there during the night and let out at around 6:00 am? (locked up at 9:00pm) They will free range on 11 1/2 acres during the day.

I understand a run is something like this:

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Yes they need a run. There will be days you can't let them free range (think vacations, storms, 4th of July if you live nearby anyone, etc) but they do not want to stay inside of a coop all day, having a nice large run for them is a must have in my mind for all coops : D

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I like having a run, it keeps the coop cleaner and I get clean eggs. It also allows me to leave water and a little food so I can sleep in on the weekends.

 

[3xhhheather]

I had no plans for a run and well, now I have one. It's really only used on days that hawks/vultures seem determined to get one of my girls or during the winter when the weather is terrible.

 

[CluckerFamily]

There are times you will need to use a run instead of locking them in a coop for days.

 

[SolarDuck]

I dont currently have a run because my ducks just roam my yard, and i live in Florida and since I've had them the weather hasn't been bad enough that they didn't come out. I do plan to add one as soon as I can afford to, just for peace of mind when I am out it will make it so I can work more and spend less time at home.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yes to a run.

There are times when running free is to dangerous due to predators, you need them to lay eggs where you can find them, you have planted a garden and need them out of it or weather doesn't cooperate.

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

Hey guys. Due to some personal issues, my ducks house and run is still not finished. Currently they are in my brooder house at around 78 degrees. I’m ready to move them outsides, as they will be 9 weeks old on Sunday and was wondering if they can stay in this until their house is done? It’s an old dog cage with concrete floor and some dirt. (we would put shavings or straw down) I guess my biggest concern is if it’s predator proof enough?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Everyone has different predators based on where they live.
What predators do you have?
Cougar, bobcat, bear, dog, fox, raccoon, etc.

 

[Crazy Duck Lover]

Oh haha! I didn’t think of that! We have coyotes which don’t typically get to that area (it’s right next to our house), raccoons, skunks, possums, and our cats that live outdoors, though they never tried to get our duck we used to have.