Seeking Duck Shelter Opinions

[hlfarmer9]

Today I became the owner of 3 adult Runner hens and 3 ducklings (not sure of breed or sex just yet, although at least 2 look sure to be runners). I was only planning on getting the ducklings, not the mature ducks so I don't have a coop finished yet! I am hoping for some advice! First, how much space inside per duck is ideal? I am hoping to construct a wooden shelter for night time with a closing door and hopefully a roof that opens for easy egg access. We will let them free range in an area of our yard during the day which we will surround with stockade fence and some 1/2" poultry fencing with a gate. We live in a suburban neighborhood but have definitely had raccoons around in recent years, plus I am not certain how long it will take to convince my black lab these are not snacks for her!

Will it be okay to have this area uncovered?
So basicallly, any tips for a duck newbie to quickly (hopefully in one afternoon) construct a safe and functional area? Thanks

 

[Amiga]

(added to say please pardon my lack of manners

and the Duck Forum!!!)

I would say, don't rush to get them outdoors until you know you have a secure area. And it may not take terribly long to secure it, depending on how handy you are.

I like to have at least netting over the ducks if I am not going to be right with them, and I know some forum members have had aerial attacks within several feet of them while they were out with or near the ducks. yikes!

Here, foxes will come for ducks in the afternoon, so while night is generally considered the riskiest time, daytime is not always safe.

Metal half inch hardware cloth is good to have. I will not say it is your friend because it has always tried to blind, maim or kill me when I work with it. No I am not a klutz. Just be careful. But it does keep raccoon fingers off the ducks.

Chicken wire is more (IMO) for keeping ducks in than predators out. Think about how you will keep things from digging under the fence or climbing it.

I like four to six square feet per duck for the duck shelter and here is why: long bad weather spells and duck math.

The larger the space, the more flexibility you have in cleaning up, too.

Any openings need to be really hard for predators to open. Sliding pop doors are one method, I use sturdy doors with keyed locks and heavy duty hasps. If the roof will be hinged, do something so that nothing can slip under it. Do not underestimate the determination and strength of a predator. Please.

You may want to consider having three levels of security - the night pen - high security, Little Fort Knox, the daytime safe pen with fence top, bottom and sides, and the it's okay someone is nearby fence, which would be the stockade perimeter fence. Just a thought.

If you can borrow a wildlife camera for a few nights and see who comes by that might be interesting.

Also read some posts on the Predators and Pests forum. But not right before bedtime.