Winter Shelters for Ducks

[Cklass90]

I should explain that it's a cage that stands fine by itself and then the thick plastic for wind/water protection. No it's not particularly predator proof but so far our only predators are hawks which can't see them in there. I'm just concerned about snow and temp with just plastic. Do I need to teach them to go into the small chicken coop?

 

[Cklass90]

My ducks don’t go into their shelters at all unless we herd and close them in.

Mine were the same although after 2 weeks of herding them into here they go in all by themselves now.

 

[PirateGirl]

I should explain that it's a cage that stands fine by itself and then the thick plastic for wind/water protection. No it's not particularly predator proof but so far our only predators are hawks which can't see them in there. I'm just concerned about snow and temp with just plastic. Do I need to teach them to go into the small chicken coop?

The cage looks drafty. As previously mentioned, I'd either add wood to the sides or teach them to use one of the other structures when the weather is particularly bad.

 

[chickens really]

Hello...I would move the little Coop house and use that as a winter shelter. Move the kiddie pool too. It can be moved around the lawn without causing any damage to the grass.
Get some wire and build a run for them. Ducks are pretty tough to the elements and really only require a draft free house and dry enclosure safe from predators and the elements.

 

[Going Quackers]

I have found doghouses to be very useful. A long time ago i had a mini barn for them and they went in that.... but typically needed to be put away, as the flock grew that lost it's practicality.... so doghouses became my #1 choice.

 

[Cklass90]

Thought i'd pop in here to tell you guys I moved the little coop house and ended up in urgent care with a bad tear in a muscle in my back!!!! Almost passed out into the duck pond, landed in a pile of duck poop and leaves which were still stuck all over me when I was in urgent care (It's ok, you can laugh)

 

[MissChick@dee]

You could recycle many things for your structure. Cinder blocks comes to mind. They would keep your tarp in place and act like a insulator with their body heat. I love scrap vinyl too you can pick that up cheap.
You could start now collecting pallets a lot of stores will let you have them or will sell them cheap.
I wish we had a junk yard where I live because I’d be scoring big time. Start now and by next winter you’ll be all prepared. With a little creativity and elbow grease you can fashion yourself a nice little duck house. Best wishes

 

[Sirens04]

Oh no!! Hope you are on the mend and glad you didn’t land in the pond. Sorry to say I did laugh a little.

 

[Cklass90]

You could recycle many things for your structure. Cinder blocks comes to mind. They would keep your tarp in place and act like a insulator with their body heat. I love scrap vinyl too you can pick that up cheap.
You could start now collecting pallets a lot of stores will let you have them or will sell them cheap.
I wish we had a junk yard where I live because I’d be scoring big time. Start now and by next winter you’ll be all prepared. With a little creativity and elbow grease you can fashion yourself a nice little duck house. Best wishes

Thanks that's given me quite a few ideas. When my back is better and I can get up and do stuff!

 

[MissChick@dee]

Thanks that's given me quite a few ideas. When my back is better and I can get up and do stuff!

I had 2rods 8screws and 4artifical disks put in 2 years ago this August. PLEASE don’t over do it. It will impact you for the rest of your life. It was so hard for me to not even be able to water my garden. Or put more than 2 bowls at a time in the cupboard. Take it slow you only get one chance to heal correctly. Ask for help.
Best wishes and prayers for you.