My MIL brought over a crested pekin duck and a turkey that was leftover from a farm store. Well, we have grown so attached to them that it is ridiculous.
Now, I am starting to design their winter house and still am unsure about the specifics. My basic design will be an a-frame style (but stockier-not quite so high but more wide) up on stilts 2-2.5 ft high so that they can run around underneath in the winter and not get buried in the snow. I will use some clear corrugated roofing so that there is light, also a window on the front vertical, but I'm concerned about a door. My plan is to have it underneath so that they can just climb up from under, but I'm concerned about a predator climbing up in there and killing them.
I haven't planned on locking them up, nor do we specifically want to fence them in, which I know runs a risk of its own. However, do you think I should have 2 doors on the house just in case, or simply just lock them up. And if so, will the turkey be smart enough to go to the house every night?? They are the best of friends now, and even with 2 other ducks, the turkey still is "Big Ducks" pal.
Oh I could ask a million "what if" questions, but I'll just start with these!! Thanks!!
p.s. We do take precautions for predators by trapping and disposing and we usually get something every other night. So the risk is certainly there. We get coons, opossums, and skunk (and an occasional stray cat). Also, If I'm baiting traps are they more apt to go to those than to my duck house?? Any suggestions??
Now, I am starting to design their winter house and still am unsure about the specifics. My basic design will be an a-frame style (but stockier-not quite so high but more wide) up on stilts 2-2.5 ft high so that they can run around underneath in the winter and not get buried in the snow. I will use some clear corrugated roofing so that there is light, also a window on the front vertical, but I'm concerned about a door. My plan is to have it underneath so that they can just climb up from under, but I'm concerned about a predator climbing up in there and killing them.
I haven't planned on locking them up, nor do we specifically want to fence them in, which I know runs a risk of its own. However, do you think I should have 2 doors on the house just in case, or simply just lock them up. And if so, will the turkey be smart enough to go to the house every night?? They are the best of friends now, and even with 2 other ducks, the turkey still is "Big Ducks" pal.
Oh I could ask a million "what if" questions, but I'll just start with these!! Thanks!!
p.s. We do take precautions for predators by trapping and disposing and we usually get something every other night. So the risk is certainly there. We get coons, opossums, and skunk (and an occasional stray cat). Also, If I'm baiting traps are they more apt to go to those than to my duck house?? Any suggestions??
