Started building the coop today!

[CrystalBDonuts]

The bottom has a tarp so hopefully the wood doesn't rot underneath. Have to build a door and put chicken wire on the windows. Then we want to do a hinged roof to make cleaning a bit easier while also making sure it stays waterproof. Hoping to have them out soon because they're starting to look miserable in the big dog kennel they're in inside our house. Do you think locking them up at night is fine if we have high fences? Or should I make them a run to keep them safe while we're at work, etc. during the day.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Please use hardware cloth for your windows chicken wire will only keep your birds inside not the predators out. 1/2 “ is rec. How many ducks will you be putting In there?

 

[Steven Bussell]

Now many are " they " I would lock them up every night and make a safe run so they can be safe and free when you aren't around

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

There's just the 2 of them. It's a 9 sq foot coop and I was thinking of doing the run 6'x10'. My only concern is if I close up the top of the run so nothing just jumps in, how will I get in to lock the door at night? I tried to talk my husband into doing a 5' high run so I can just hunch over and walk in, but he's not into it lol.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’d def try and talk him into it because there are going to be times your going to want to rake or clean out their run and being able to stand up will be important.

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

I’d def try and talk him into it because there are going to be times your going to want to rake or clean out their run and being able to stand up will be important.

Uggh you're right. I used that argument and he said "uggh fine". Now I just have to think up a good plan...

 

[JudiB1212]

5' high run is a minimum or you will be hating it quickly. I had a temp run it 3' high, it was an emergency set up until I could get the real one made. I dreaded going in for anything. Can't tell you how many times I put a hand or knee in goose poop. Thankfully the were young so it wasn't to messy.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Everyone is so right. Most of my run is as tall as me but there are parts that are not and it is not pleasant to have to go in there and trust me, you will have to at some point.

When we built our first duck pen we didn't make it as tall as me and I hit my head constantly on it. I don't know what we were thinking! Our second on is nice and tall and way nicer to clean out. Hardware cloth is a must for the night time lock up. Please do that!

Also, take into consideration that you are going to have to clean out your little duck house so hopefully the roof will be the access and not just that cute little door!

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

Everyone is so right. Most of my run is as tall as me but there are parts that are not and it is not pleasant to have to go in there and trust me, you will have to at some point.

When we built our first duck pen we didn't make it as tall as me and I hit my head constantly on it. I don't know what we were thinking! Our second on is nice and tall and way nicer to clean out. Hardware cloth is a must for the night time lock up. Please do that!

Also, take into consideration that you are going to have to clean out your little duck house so hopefully the roof will be the access and not just that cute little door!

Now that I'm googling hardware cloth it makes more sense. I'll definitely check that out!

We're doing a hinged roof for sure so I can just scoop everything out or even just sweep it out the door. I've got some plans to keep the roof waterproof where it hinges.

 

[Duckworth]

Here is my run and house. You don’t have to go as big, but it really is just as easy, if not easier, to build to adult human height as to build shorter. I added hardware cloth to the ceiling after my ducks were attacked by a raccoon and one was killed.