Raised Duck Pen w/ Plastic Pond and PVC Drain (Photos)

[CityChicker]

I think it would kill your plants unfortunately, not to mention it might be dangerous. If you want to use the swimming water, you almost need to make some small compost piles. When one is at a reasonable depth, leave it to dry out and compost properly (several weeks to months) and move on to another pile. If you use it too soon, you will burn your plants.

 

[Scott]

Quote:
Thanks for the advise. I'll ditch the previous idea. ;-)

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Thanks for the advise. I'll ditch the previous idea. ;-)

I used a pump for my duck/goose waste water and have never had a problem with it burning anything I do not use the dirty water on my food gardens, only flowers or turf.

 

[BeccaOH]

Hey Scott, this pen is much like the one I got with my call ducks. Previous owner had 3-4 or them he would move around his yard using a lift on his tractor.

Can you get into the run area? I find I have to clean my drain out occasionally from feathers, straw, and such that gets in, and I bucket the clean water in through the run door.

For this winter, I've tarped the run top and down the northwest side. I've also covered the wire with straw on half of it and resorted to a heated dog bowl for their water. It seemed if I let them have the full tub of water that ice froze on their feathers and their feet seemed to stick to the wire. Also I don't have strong enough power to the pen for the immersible heater that came with the pen. I haven't had a bad case of bumble yet, though.

 

[Scott]

Quote:
Hey Becca,

I've had the same problem with freezing water, but that is just part of keeping birds. To answer your question, I don't currently have a way into the pen area. Instead, I got thru the house into the outside area. As soon as I get a chance, I will be adding a simple door and latch to the outside of the pen.

 

[Scott]

Quote:
I think the drain, pipe, and ball valve (faucet) was purchased for under $15 bucks. I'd give it a try. It will save you a lot of work in the long run.

 

[heritagebirds]

Thanks so much Scott, we are in the process of redesigning our duck pen and this is a great idea!

 

[CityChicker]

Quote:
Thanks for the advise. I'll ditch the previous idea. ;-)

I used a pump for my duck/goose waste water and have never had a problem with it burning anything I do not use the dirty water on my food gardens, only flowers or turf.

I think it is very good for grass if you use it *very* sparingly. It definitely burns my grass though if more than a small amount is used. If water was consistently drained in the same place all the time, I can't imagine it not burning it. It definitely would burn veggies, not to mention, using waste that is not properly composted is dangerous. Even when I have used chicken litter that was not composted long enough, the plants suffered. That is just my experience though. It probably depends on lots of other things too like the heat, the humidity (it is very dry here), the amount of moisture, type of grass/plants, etc....

 

[Fay at Frizzled Feathers]

Scott , What a smart idea !!! Love your setup ! Planning on getting some calls this summer so will have to build me a couple of these . Thanks for sharring your idea and pics with all of us !

Fay

 

[Scott]

Quote:
Thanks, Fay! I enjoyed visiting your web site. I might be interested in getting some of your heirloom seeds as spring draws closer!