Category Archives: Ducks

duck house plans

23 Duck House Plans With Tutorials That You Can Build In A Weekend

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Coming up with your own duck house plans and building a duck house on your own is easier and more affordable than you might imagine. As long as you provide your ducks with their basic needs like shelter, food, drinking water and a safe space to protect them from predators, they will be happy in their new home. As these innovative plans show how to build a diy duck house with very little money and some can be made with a little time and a few basic DIY skills.

1- Small Duck House

Follow this detailed tutorial for building a small duck house by yellowcottagehomestead that is suitable for use in a suburban backyard.

This duck house is attractive, sturdy, secure and will provide secure shelter, and nesting area for 2-4 ducks. The water system, laying boxes, and manure catchment make this DIY duck house easy to maintain also.

If you have a small flock with no plans for expansion, we recommend this small duck house to be an ideal for your ducks. It will also be quick and easy for you to build in just one day.

Duck House Plans

Duck House Plans, we love its verstylity, durability and security features,  image via: yellowcottagehomestead

2- Lean-To Duck House

Next we have a design that features a large front entryway for the ducks and separate nesting box with a lid so you can access the duck eggs easily. You won’t even have to go inside the duck house by myoutdoorplans to gather the eggs.

Ducks are notorious for not using nesting boxes but if the boxes are placed on the floor of the fowl house there is a chance that eggs might be laid in them.

Get these free lean-to design duck house plans that will take you through the building process step by step. A supply list is also included so you won’t forget a thing while gathering building materials.

Lean-To Duck House

Lean-To Duck House Plan, image via: myoutdoorplans

3- Recycled Material Duck House

Use these free plans to learn how to build a duck house by thefrugalchicken that won’t cost you anything. Using recycled materials is a way to provide your ducks with a safe house while putting usable materials to work.

Recycling gives old things new life and keeps usable items out of the landfill, so it’s a win for ducks, for you, and the environment.

Ducks and other homestead animals are messy so there’s no point in spending a lot of money on new building materials if you don’t have too. A coat of paint can always make recycled lumber look new and give the duck house a cute appearance.

Recycled Material Duck House

Recycled Material Duck House, image via: thefrugalchicken

4- Small Space Duck House

This DIY project creates a duck house that is custom-built to fit into a small backyard space. This YouTube tutorial will show you how to take an awkward, unusable backyard space and transform it into a perfect space for a duck house.

These duck house plans on youtube show you how to build a small structure that will fit perfectly into any odd corner that your landscape may have. All landscapes have certain challenges and this design will enable you to overcome a small space challenge and provide your duck flock with a safe and secure house.

5- A Wooden Pallet Duck House Plans

A wood duck house by thehomesteadingboards is always a sustainable option but this is more sustainable than most as it makes use of reclaimed wooden pallets. Also read pallet chicken coop plans.

A Wooden Pallet Duck House

A Wooden Pallet Duck House, image via: thehomesteadingboards

6- Simple Duck House Plans

Ducks are easy farm animals to build a house for because they don’t need anything fancy. They sleep on the ground, lay their eggs wherever they choose, and like a lot of moisture. The main reason for building them a place to live is for their safety, so a simple structure like this one we have will work just fine.

Use these free duck coop plans by thecapecoop to transform bits and pieces of leftover building materials into a safe and simple duck house for your flock of fowls. Exterior caulking can be applied to seal up gaps and cracks in the wood but since ducks like moisture, sealing up gaps is not essential.

Simple Duck House Plans

Simple Duck House Plans, image via: thecapecoop

7- Large Duck House Plans

Remember, a small duck house is fine for one or two free-ranging birds but more ducks will need space. Ducks need more space than chickens so allow 4-6 square feet per bird in the duck house like this one by hipchickdigs and 10-25 square feet per bird in the run if they don’t range free.

Large Duck Pen Design

Large Duck Pen Design, image via: hipchickdigs

8- Pallet Duck House Plans

Remember, when sourcing materials for your diy duck house by yellowbirchhobbyfarm that though reclaimed materials can be great, they may be impregnated with chemicals. Take care to provide a safe environment for your ducks.

Pallet Duck House Ideas

Pallet Duck House Ideas, image via: yellowbirchhobbyfarm

9- Capacious Duck Duck House Plans

When creating your diy duck house by frankiemakes, consider the climate and conditions where you live. Will the ducks range free or spend a lot of time in their run in the winter? Design for your site.

Capacious Duck Pen Design

Capacious Duck Pen Design, image via: frankiemakes

10- Chicken Or Duck House Made From An Old Packing Crate

Again, these chicken or duck house plans by poultrykeeper show that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a great home for your poultry.

Duck House Made From An Old Packing Crate, image via:

Duck House Made From An Old Packing Crat , image via: poultrykeeper

11- Duck House Plans With Nesting Area and Run

This is a very unique idea as compared to the ones we discussed above. The roof of this little diy duck house by tyrantfarms is planted with edible herbs and other plants, to create a green roof. This is a great example of how ducks and a duck shelter can become integral parts of your over-all garden design. You may also like to see green roof chicken coop plans.

 

A Duck Shelter With Nesting Area and Run

A Duck Shelter With Nesting Area and Run , image via: tyrantfarms

12- A Frame Duck House Plans With Cedar Shingles

This charming little A-frame coop or duck shelter by diydiva is a picturesque home for your ducks. Cedar is a wood with great properties for use outside and will not decay or rot so is perfect for such uses. You may also like to check out DIY A- Frame Chicken Coop.

A Frame Duck House With Cedar Shingles

A Frame Duck House With Cedar Shingles, image via: diydiva

13- Pallet Duck House

Here is another great use for wooden pallets – build a freewood duck house by homegrown with them.

Three old wooden pallets are all you need to build a safe and secure house for your duck to live in. The pallets are the right size for use with these free duck house plans and that helps reduce the amount of time and effort needed for this DIY project. Wooden pallets can be obtained free or very cheap and this will keep the building costs down for this DIY project.

Recycling old wooden pallets also reduces the cost of the DIY project down to almost nothing. A little flooring and roofing material is all that you will need to complete this functional pallet duck house.

Pallet Duck House

Pallet Duck House, image via: homegrown

14- A High Rise Home For Ducks/ Bird House

This house for your ducks by myoutdoorplans can be created using quality timber and a basic knowledge of DIY. You do not need to be an expert to make this home for wild ducks or other wild birds.

A High Rise Home For Ducks

A High Rise Home For Ducks, image via: myoutdoorplans

15- Floating Duck House

A floating duck house by goodshomedesign is simple to construct and can become an attractive part of a backyard water feature.

Ducks and water go together so why not combine the duck house and a water feature? These free duck house plans we are going to show you will guide you through the building process and the results will be spectacular.

The pitched roof design makes this look a lot like a dog house, so it may surprise people to see the house floating and a duck coming out of the doorway. This duck house plan is one of our best designs.

This floating duck house can be accessorized and painted to create a unique focal point for your backyard water feature.

Floating Duck House

Duck House Floating On Water, image via: goodshomedesign

16- Octagon Duck House

This unique octagon shaped duck house by backyardchickens is constructed from recycled wooden pallets to help keep the building costs low. The attractive shape is ideal for building in a suburban setting and it will keep your ducks (and chickens) safe from predators.

The total cost for this DIY project is under $100 and it could be a lot less as compared to the ones we discussed earlier. if you have some roofing material on hand. Many places giveaway free wooden pallets that have a couple of broken boards and those broken boards are easy to replace and the smaller pieces can be used in another DIY project.

The octagon shape is attractive, easy to build, and will be inexpensive when recycling wooden pallets.

Octagon Duck House

DIY Octagon Duck House Plan, image via: backyardchickens

17- Another Duck House Plan With Reclaimed Wood

Of all the duck house like this one by needlesandnailsblog the best are those that utilize scrap material. This idea also used wood pallet and other reclaimed wood to make a sturdy, safe house for ducks.

Another Wood Duck House With Reclaimed Wood

Another Wood Duck House With Reclaimed Wood, image via: needlesandnailsblog

18- Large Duck House Plans

These duck house plans by howtospecialist will provide you with an easy to follow tutorial for building a large duck house that can accommodate several ducks comfortably.

If you have a large flock or looking to expand your flock of fowls these plans may be just what you need. This sturdy structure will last for years and provide your flock with dry shelter and safety from predators.

The wood structure can be built in one day and leftover building materials can be used to reduce the construction expense.

Large Duck House Plans

Large Size Duck house plans, image via: howtospecialist.com

19- Recycled Duck House Plans

An unused cold frame and wooden workbench were recycled and given a new life as a small shelter for ducks. This idea may spark an idea for how you can recycle unused items into a functional and attractive house for your flock.

These free duck house plans by bepasgarden will inspire you and provide a detailed tutorial so you can take recycled parts from different items and create a cohesive-looking structure for your flock. This good-looking structure is great for use in a suburban backyard or anywhere else that an attractive fowl house is needed.

Recycled Duck House Plans

Recycled Duck House Plans, image via: bepasgarden

20- DIY Duck House with Deck and Pool

Ducks need shelter and water and these free duck house plans will show you how to build a house that ducks will never want to leave.

This duck house on youtube is a simple design with a pitched roof and two doors that open the backside up for easy coop cleaning. The front of the structure has a deck with a pool in the center and a ramp. Ducks can waddle in and out of the house, go for a swim, get their daily exercise, and stay warm with an interior heat lamp in this well-designed fowl house. A bottom drain in the pool makes changing the pool water quick and easy so the ducks will always have access to clean water.

The interior of the structure is heated and would be ideal for building in cold climates so chicks and adults will stay warm.

21- Ultimate Duck House

If your homestead is in an area that has a lot of wildlife you will need a predator-proof fowl house. These free duck house plans on youtube will show you how to build a safe house for your flock that is predator-proof.

This YouTube tutorial will guide you through the step by step building process that will prevent predators from gaining access to the inside of the duck house and killing the flock.

Attractive design anrge size will look good in the homestead landscape and provide plenty of space for a growing flock. Keep your flock safe so they will thrive and prd laovide plenty of eggs and meat for an off-grid homestead.

22- Cheap and Rustic Duck House Plans

Remember, when coming up with duck house plans like this one by homegrownorg that you should be open to materials you can garner for free – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Cheap and Rustic Duck House

Cheap and Rustic Duck House, image via: homegrownorg

23- Chicken Coop Duck House

In the last idea we will Learn how to convert an unused chicken coop into a whimsical duck house by modernfarmer with this free tutorial. Chicken coops are typically taller than what ducks need, so the roof can be lowered with the idea provided in this building plan. Also, ducks need a little more square footage on the inside than chickens need, plus ducks love water and will put a water feature to good use.

A large entry door and ramp will make it easy for waddling ducks to get in and out of this cute fowl house.

These detailed instructions will address all the different needs between chickens and ducks so converting a chicken coop into a duck house will be a success. Add a coat of colorful paint along with painted flowers and clouds will transform this functional design into a focal point in your backyard.

Chicken Coop Duck House

Chicken Coop Duck House, image via: modernfarmer

Benefits Of A Duck House

  • Safety For The Flock: A duck house will give the ducks a safe place to nest and sleep. When ducks feel safe from predators they will lay more eggs. The safety also helps ensure that more of the ducklings you are raising will survive to adulthood.
  • Customization: A duck house can be built to fit any size budget or flock.
  • Helps protect surrounding vegetation: Ducks can be very destructive on vegetation and a duck house with an enclosed run will help protect the plants you don’t want them to destroy.
  • Easy separation; Sometimes ducks need to be separated and a duck house will make separating them easier.

Drawbacks Of A Duck House

  • Ducks can fly: Unless the entire area – the duck house and run, are covered, ducks can fly over the fencing and escape. Their wings will need to be clipped frequently to prevent them from flying.
  • Must be small: A duck house will need to be moved occasionally to provide fresh grass for the ducks. The house must be small and lightweight so it’s easy to move.

Summing Up

Ducks have certain requirements to live just like other backyard animals such as a pond, a place to lay eggs and to stay safe from predators. Your ducks will keep happy and lay more eggs when they have a shelter to live. You can choose any of these duck house plans we discussed above that are suitable to your ducks and you find easy to build.

Based upon the frequently asked questions we have prepared a questionnaire below.

FAQ’s

Are duck houses expensive to build?

Not at all. You can use any type of building material you have on hand to construct a DIY shelter that will keep your flock protected from predators and the elements.

Are duck houses ugly?

You can build them with a very attractive design to beautify your property and increase its value.

Are ducks messy?

Yes, they are. Ducks are in the poultry family and are by nature messy. Providing them with their own house and run will keep the mess to a minimum.

References:

College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, “Duck Housing and Management”, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/programs/duck-research-lab/housing-and-management

Department Of Primary Industries, Animals & livestock, “Duck housing design, layout and equipment”, https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/poultry-and-birds/species/duck-raising/housing-design

Brooding And Raising Of Ducks

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Brooding (0 to 4 Weeks)

The ducklings can be brooded on wire floor, litter or batteries with brooding period upto 3 to 4 weeks. They require slightly low temperature of 31°C in first week. Further it is reduced by 3°C each week upto 24°C and kept constant. A usual method is to house ducklings on litter in long narrow house having pens on each side of central passage. Further they can be given access to run on both the sides of houses _during fattening period. The following special points should be kept in mind for successful brooding:

  1. Provide hover space of 90 to 100 cm2 per duckling under brooder.
  2. Water in drinkers should be 5 to 7.5 cm deep, sufficient to drink but not to dip themselves.

Protect duckling from cold drafts and rodents

brooding of ducks

Growing (5 to 16 Weeks)

Ducks can be reared by intensive, semi-intensive or range systems. The run space after four weeks alloted is usually 3 to 4 m2 per duck. Water depth is increased to 12.5 to 15 cm to allow immersion of heads to prevent scaly, crusty or in extreme cases blindness of eyes. Run fencing of 60 cm height is usually suffice purpose of confining ducklings.

growing of ducks
Raising Layers (Above 17 Weeks)

The high egg producing strains starts laying at 16-18 weeks of age and about 96 per cent eggs laid upto 9 am. Because ducks are comparatively hardy birds, they do not need elaborate housing. They can be reared on intensive or range system. Range rearing can be comfortably adopted for small scale farming in which ducks can be kept in open areas of the farm and have access to ponds, lakes or small river. In range 100 ducks can be reared per 0.405 hectare (one acre) depending on availability of greens.

 

Housing pattern is same as that of chickens with addition of runs as ducks prefer to stay outside during day time. The house may have solid or wire floor with shed of gable or half-round roof. The runs should have gentle slope away from houses for facilitating drainage

Artificial Light

Brooders require continuous artificial light. Growers. are reared on natural day length, whereas layers are provided 14 to 16 hours of day length for optimum production.

ducks artificial light

Feeding of Ducks

Pellets or combination of dry and wet mash is used for feeding. Wet mash feeding is preferred due to difficulty is swallowing of dry mash. Therefore, ducks should not have access to feed without water. They may be allowed continuous feeding for first eight weeks but afterwards feed may be offered only twice in a day, i.e. morning (8 am) and late afternoon (4-5 pm),ranges from 120-160 g per bird depending on egg production, age and availability of greens. They need an extra 500 mg of methionine per ton, while growing whereas during laying its requirement is lesser than chicken.

feeding of ducks

Water

Water for swimming is not as essential feature. But scarcity of water may result in more mortality, therefore, continuous water flow channel with dimensions of about 60 cm in width and 30 cm in depth should be constructed at one of the end of house to meet water thirst.

duck water

Nest Boxes

Ground level nest boxes, one for three birds of 30 x 30 x 45 cm size be provided for clean egg production. The litter in boxes should be changed 2-3 times in week.

Catching and Handling

While catching ducks they should be caught by neck and not on side of body as it may result in sudden death.

Health and Management

The duck diseases are to be prevented by proper vaccination and through adoption of effective sanitation and hygiene.

 

Caring and Raising Ducklings

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Are you contemplating about raising these cute little darlings or how to take care of ducks? At times of the Easter Season, these ducklings do find their way into the beautiful gift baskets. For the purpose of caring and raising ducklings, you should always have all sorts of  information about ducks. In comparison to other birds, the ducklings are relatively inexpensive to bring up. Moreover, they can survive easily for a period of 20 years, but with proper caring for a duck and feeding. So, for taking care of ducks or raising a duckling below are some points that you need to ponder.

1. Try not to raise these ducks as house pets. This is because of their habitat that belongs to the open settings and not in the home based environments. You might feel happy in keeping them in your home, but what about the well being and happiness of the ducks. So, if you prefer not be cruel with these darlings, then it is imperative to raise them in the settings to which they rightfully belong.

pet ducks

2. An important personality trait of the pet ducks is their socialization. In other words, their growth is best guaranteed in the presence of other ducks. Moreover, they usually do not fight each other, which is another reason for which keeping them with other ducks is recommended. On the other hand, if you bring them up in isolation, then it is likely that they won’t survive.

ducks as a social animals

3. Make proper arrangements for fulfilling the needs of these animals. In addition to fulfilling their basic needs, you also need to give them with the life which they deserve.

4. In opposition to some misconceptions, ducks are quite intelligent and can respond to your commands. They are capable to play with toys, children and are also able to play a number of games. If they are handled with care and affection from the very start, then it is likely that they are going to become sociable with humans. The element of interaction is the key to raising ducks.

ducks with children

5. The backyard ducks do not demand an open pond or area for swimming. Furthermore, you should also not worry about the odor they give off, as it is quite pleasant in comparison to the chickens.

6. In terms of determining the sex of the ducklings, firstly you need look at their secondary characteristics. For example, the males are marked for having green heads in comparison to the females that lack this feature. For the sake of sexing, you can also consider the voicing style of the domestic ducks which becomes evident as soon as get about 6 weeks old.

male and female ducks

7. For the first few weeks, ducklings need to be kept warm and dry. For this purpose, you should make use of a box or a cage. The temperature of the place should be about 30 Degree C. You can also make use of a light bulb for the sake of heating.

8. Try to keep them away from the water, especially when they are alone. It is because they might become chilled and might also drown at times when the water is too deep.

9. In the winter season, you can let them wander outside if they have enough feathers over their body. These feathers appear at about 4 to 5 weeks after their birth. But in times of extremely cold temperatures, it is better to keep them inside.

Duck Feathers

10. Their shelter should have proper ventilation and area, keeping in view the number of ducklings that are to be accommodated in it. Moreover, the house should also be bedded with sufficient wood shavings and other necessary materials.

11. In terms of feeding ducks, the young ducklings should be fed with started food for baby ducks. For those who are about 3 to 7 weeks, the grower food for ducks might be brought to use. It is also recommended to use some Grit close to them, so that they might use for grinding the food when required. Ducklings care should always be your top most priority. The same applies to the use of water for ducks.

12. In order to deal with the major issue of feces, it is best to make use of a proper diapering system. The diapers used should be changed after a period of 4 hours. But at the time of diapering, you should keep in mind that they should not interfere with their swimming needs. Nonetheless, you should also make all possible arrangements for cleanliness and minimizing the spread of diseases.

duck diapers

Raising Chicken And Duck Together

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Ducks vs chicken and chicken vs ducks. Even though ducks and chickens are a lot a like in some ways, they are also very different in others, and it is this difference that does prompt the question of is it wise to be keeping ducks with chicken? Well, the answer to this question does vary in response, and it also tends to be a unique experience in raising for the backyard chicken and duck raiser who does their very best to raise both of these fine creatures side by side. Can a duck live with chicken? Both chickens and ducks do indeed have their very own special needs, and this means that each animal will be demanding in its own way, especially if these creatures are very young and require constant care. Raising ducks and chicken are something that is very possible, but it should only be attempted by someone who does know the ropes, and also has had the past experience to be very successful at raising these two types of species before.

 What are the differences that do make
 chicks and ducks different?

Sometimes, by knowing the differences that do make each of these two animals unique in their own ways, it is easier to understand them both and what makes them tick as individual species unto themselves in the bird world. Even though ducks and chickens are members of the genre called fowl, they are entirely two different types of bird species altogether. Also, ducks and chickens are very different in appearance, and they also behave differently from one another, in addition, as well. Ducklings tend to have very flat bills and broader bills than chickens do. Chickens possess a beak that is pointed and is pronounced in description. Ducklings also tend to waddle like other adults ducks do, and chickens don’t waddle, they just walk about jerking their heads in a funny motion and clucking up a storm. Ducks also tend to like water, and being in water, as much as possible. Chickens, on the other hand, don’t like water at all. A chicken also tends to be far more of a farmed animal than ducks are, and this is with good reason, because they do provide very delicious poultry, as well as tasty eggs to. Ducks can also fly and they have their wings. Chickens get their wings clipped and aren’t able to fly in the air, only able to clear fence or reaching to trees or roost. Ducks may not be creatures that are farmed like chickens are, but still people have partaken of duck eggs before, as well as duck meat which is delicious. A duck’s feathers are something that are waterproof by design, as well as nature, and chickens don’t have waterproof feathers. Chicken and duck meat have two different distinct tastes that are different and are their very own. Chickens and ducks also have very different bone structures, as well, which makes them very not so alike after all. Ducks also love to swim, and have the ability to swim, which is something chickens cannot do. Chickens prefer to sleep on a roost while ducks sleep on ground. Ducks are very sensitive to light and can’t sleep in light. Ducks are more vulnerable to attacks from predators like coons, skunks, possum, coyote.

flying duckchicken

 What are the similarities that do make
 ducks and chicks alike in some ways?

The very first thing, which does make ducks and chicks an awful lot alike is this, they are both members of the genre called fowl. Both species also lay eggs, in addition, as well. A duck uses its bill mainly to dig up mud, while the chicken on the other hand, does use its beak to catch prey with a good deal of the time. Ducks also build their nests on the ground, while chickens make them inside of chicken coops. Both of these species of very popular creatures are highly prized most for their skin and their eggs on the average. Despite the fact that chickens and ducks do have a lot in common, they are still very different, when it comes to nature and their particular defining characteristics and behavior.

 Can chickens and ducks be raised in a
 combined environment successfully or not?

Even though ducks and chickens are alike in some ways, and also are very different, the question that remains is this. Can chickens and ducks be raised in a combined environment successfully or not? It is through the understanding, as well as knowing that ducks and chickens are two different and very special kind of animals in their own rights. Duck and chicks can, and often have grown up together side by side. The only difference is that ducklings do tend to take to water, very early on, and baby chicks prefer dry bedding. Despite the facts that both are very different, when it comes to being babies, they are pretty much the same in a lot of ways. Ducklings and chicks cuddle together pretty much like newborn puppies or kittens in a litter. The only thing that is different about them is that ducklings like to get wet, and chickens not, so with this said. It is advisable to separate baby ducks and chicks in a separate brooder boxes until they are older, because little ducklings prefer to be damp and wet, and dam and wet is not very good for the health of small chicks. Nonetheless, once they are a bit older, chicks and ducklings can peacefully co-exist with each other, and they can both imprint one on the other. Can chickens and ducks be raised in the a combined environment successfully or not? The answer is yes, if the raising is done with a lot of excellent tips, knowledge, and most important experience on the subject. This can indeed prove to be a great hobby, but it still something, which must be handled with a lot of tremendous caring, determination, and patience to make the raising of these two individual creatures a real reality in every way that counts most.

duck in water

Raising chickens does indeed have its benefits and rewards, but so does the raising of ducks, in addition, as well. Both of these species are very excellent types of animals, and they each do matter a whole lot in their own ways, and this is something that must be realized whenever it is decided that they will be raised alongside of each other from start to finish.

Housing of ducks-considerations for building duck pen

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If you have ducks as pet, you will need to take proper care of them while examining their way of living. Ducks need to have a secure place where they can live and can be safe from any predators and it is easy to clean their housing area. Ducks do not prefer spending time inside their housing area as they prefer roaming outside for most of the time, regardless of the weather or the season.

There are many people who want to know how to build a duck pen? If you are looking forward to build a nice yet practical duck pen then you need to follow the guidelines that are discussed below.

First of all, you need to make sure that the structure of the duck pen offers proper protection to the ducks and is a defensive structure actually. It is important to keep your ducks safe from other animals and predators. You can allow them to roam about during the day time and lock them later during the night. Ducks love to spend their time in water and you can make a small pool near their pen and allow them to beat the heat of sunny days.

duck house

The design of duck house is just similar to chicken house design except some minor differences such as it doesn’t require roost, nest boxes and need some large door with some steps and it must not be so high from the ground.

There are two basic designs of duck coop plans. One is knows as the intensive pen design and the other one is called the semi-intensive design.

  • The intensive pen design

The intensive pen design is structured to keep the ducks safe during the day time and night they are locked totally. The shelter is made quite tough to shield the ducks from any pending danger or threat.

  • The semi-intensive design

In the semi-intensive design the ducks are allowed to roam freely within specified boundaries during the day time.

When we talk about chicken coop flooring and bedding material we’ve several options to explore. While constructing the duck pen it is important to give proper attention towards the flooring. To manage litter and to provide cushion (while they are laying and protecting eggs) a wooden flooring or hay is preferred in most of the cases. Choose a flat area for constructing the duck house but the system of drainage must be very good as you need to prevent the chances of any disease out break or any other health issue. The area of duck pen will depend on the number of ducks that you have actually as you need to provide proper ventilation and sunlight.

Just like your house, you need to consider the best material for construction. Wood is the preferable item as it is durable and long lasting. For the shape of the duck pen, you can opt for the rectangular one as it will allow more space to the ducks to roam freely.  Duck housing designs will help in giving a comfortable environment to the ducks and they will remain healthy and happy. The entrance and the outer limits of the duck pen need to be designed carefully as with the passage of time ducks will continue to grow and will require more area.

How to construct a proper duck pen

1- As told above the enclosure needs to be well protected and shaded and it must be dry.  If, you are planning to construct a pen on DIY basis you need to select the appropriate wood posts. It means that the dimensions of the plywood must be well suitable for a spacious pen. Other accessories that you will need are tarps, wheelbarrow, gravel, cement, straw bedding, cement blocks, well secured latch, vertical hinges, wire mesh, hardware cloth, staple gun and some heavy duty staples.

2- For a common or ideal measurement ground you must allow 11/4 square yards of space for three ducks. The location must be well ventilated and must have the features of a good drainage system. On the floor place a good quality hardware cloth and then place gravels on it and for the last touch you can include the straw bedding. It will provide comfort if you are raising ducklings in the pen.

3- While erecting the plywood for the pen, you need to bury them at least two feet deep in solid ground. When the posts have been erected properly you can staple the wire mesh to provide proper fencing. This will prevent invaders from entering the pen through any side once the protection and construction has been done properly. There are different duck house plans and you can choose one according to your requirements, area and the amount of ducks you have.

duck house

4- Backyard duck pens are very successful for Rearing ducks, that is, if you have ample space and can look after the ducks easily. If you’ve already chicken coop and thinking about Raising chickens and ducks together in the same coop than it is not a difficult task at all, you will need to plan the pens carefully keeping in view some difference in their housing requirements as discussed above and allow the chickens and ducks ample space. Do keep in mind that in rough environmental conditions chickens love to spend their time indoors.