For those of you that do not free range your ducks exclusively, what do you use for the ground in their outdoor area? It seems that pea gravel, sand, and bare earth seem to be the most common. Have you found something that you use that is extraordinary? We are building our pen on a slight slope, and I'm thinking of building a small retaining wall around where the pond will be and filling it with pea gravel to help with the filth and drainage. Unsure what to use on the "covered" area's ground. Perhaps sand will be a good option so they have some grit and I'll be able to scoop poop like cat litter? Let's hear what your set up is!
Mine do range over a big part of property but in the hang out area where food and water is I put down landscaping material then round river rock over top, keeps them from mucking up the area and burrowing the rock in the mud. This is 2nd year with this and working good.
Chopped straw, leaves, things that are high in carbon and soft on the feet. High carbon materials combine with the poop to reduce odors and make compost. Worms come up into the compost, giving the ducks something to forage. Around the swim pans we have a mix of smooth pea gravel and sand and oak leaves. The oak leaves seem to reduce odor in the summer.
