Sarah & Duck join the family - need help with run please

[clyderiver77]

Hi Everybody, My name is Laura. We got a couple of 2 day old ducklings in the middle of June from Metzer Farms in California. Both are hybrid laying ducks, a "white layer" and their "golden 300". We have made it to 12 weeks and enjoy them very much (if you have heard that ducks are messy..... they are!)

This weekend we are building a new run for them, as the tractor style one we have now, will be tight in winter with snow. We live in a wooded area, with every predator known to man. Can I use the metal posts, and attach hardware cloth to it? I plan on locking the ducks up at night. I will need a wire or netting roof on it as this is hawk Country. Any help much appreciated!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. I worry about fishers in Mass. You might want to consider electric mesh or fencing around whatever pen you construct.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC 1/2" Hardware cloth is your friend, I'd probably use a wooden structure for to attach the wire to the roof, and I'd also add 3-4 hot wires around the perimeter with at least a half joule charger. Again welcome and we're so happy you joined us

 

[clyderiver77]

Hi and welcome to BYC 1/2" Hardware cloth is your friend, I'd probably use a wooden structure for to attach the wire to the roof, and I'd also add 3-4 hot wires around the perimeter with at least a half joule charger. Again welcome and we're so happy you joined us

Any chance electric fencing comes solar powered these days? It is a way from the house, and although I am married to an electrician.... he isn't an animal person per se and you know what they say about the painters, plumbers, and electricians house? lol

 

[rjohns39]

He will know what you need.

 

[drumstick diva]

You would need a lot of sunlight year round I guess, to keep the wires powered.

 

[JillyAnn]

Our old run:

Did someone mention fishers? are those like minks? Here are a few things to consider (from my 17 months' experience keeping chickens): cost, time, and your willingness to lose an animal. You can go all-out at the beginning and sink wooden posts, dig hardware cloth a foot into the ground, add a secondary poultry net fence (there are kinds that are battery powered) or strands of electric wire, and use netting or wire for a roof. This is expensive and time-consuming, but will keep the birds safe.

Or you can start cheaper and quicker and see how it goes... and run some risk of predators getting a bird. We did the slightly cheap/quick route with metal T posts and welded wire fence (2x4" holes). I bought hardware cloth, but we never used it. We added a wire roof, propped partially by bent chain-link-fence poles. So, our chickens were safe from hawks, but vulnerable to digging animals. Fortunately never lost any. I lock them in the coop (a converted shed) every single night. Then we got more chickens (from 11 to 29), and the run became too small and the wire roof sagged and was generally very annoying (do yourself a favor and make sure you can stand up in your run).


This year, we tore it all down and rebuilt a bigger run. We used 4x4 treated posts sunk 2 or 3 feet in the dirt (no concrete). The welded wire fence was stapled and screwed to the posts, and we added 2x4 header rails along the whole thing for strength and looks. Again, we skipped the hardware cloth (who wants to do that much digging?!), and we didn't have enough material, or a plan, for a roof, so left it topless.

Result?

I've seen raccoon prints in the run, but since the birds are locked up each night, they are safe from coons, possums, and that mink I saw dragging away a dead bunny a few months ago. BUT, we lost a hen to a hawk attack in the run... in the middle of the day... while my hubby and I were outside working in the yard. So, that's the risk. I still plan to use use bird netting for a roof, and prop it up with long 2x4s as tent poles... but other projects have been more important lately. So far, no more losses to hawks. (knock on wood)
The new run:

 

[N F C]

Looks like you've been given some good tips so I'll just say hello and thanks for sharing the photos!