Shelter for muscovys...

[DVTO2]

So right now I am almost finished with a 10' by 10' wire run. The walls are 5' with with a 2' gabled, welded wire roof. The run has removable wheels so it is easily tractored. My question is, how much shelter inside the rum my pair of muscovys will need. They have had a dog house to run into during the winter but it gets really messy. I noticed the dog house has been clean so they may not be spending too much time in there now that its warmer. There new spot will have lots grass and can be moved when it gets messy. Would the dog house make a good nest box or does the duck need something more private? Alternatively, I had thought about tarping about half the run so that the protected sides face northeast and putting in a smaller nest box, like one of those large plastic (18 gallon?) crates with a hole cut into it. Thoughts?

 

[keeperofthehearth]

I think you can go either way. Tarping part of the run so they have some shade for the summer is good and the bin/nest box would work out. They would probably use the dog house as a nesting sight/brooder if you want to stick w/that. I have a dog house inside a shed that is used as a nest/brooding area for one of my Scovy hens.

 

[DVTO2]

Do they need shade?