Duck Coop help!

[Puddles7.15.17]

I am wanting to build my own duck coop/duck run for my 4 ducks. I want it to be large enough that they'll be comfortable if they are locked in it all day. I also am building a run in that'll be like a dog house so I can lock them in at night.

What demensions should I make the whole cage? 8x8' or 10x10'? And how tall? I want to be able to walk into it for easier cleaning and maintance. I might also want to have room for a little swimming area.

Would a 5'1.5"x2'7" be an ok size for the run in (dog house style)? I want a little door they can walk in and out of and that I can lock. Probably a side that opens so I can clean it. This is what I have so far/what I'm invisioning.... (dog for size reference. He's a 60lb)

Advice and some plans and help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MalMom]

Ducks need 3-4 square feet of space, per bird, in a coop if they are not locked up in it. If they are they need 6-8 sf per bird.
For their run they need at least 10 sf of space per bird.
Things like feeders and pools that take up space needs to be in addition to their required space.
Also plan ahead in case you want to add more ducks in the future.

 

[gal5150]

I have a run that is 11'x11' and a little over 6' tall with a plastic kiddie pool for 2 ducks and, honestly, I know I could technically squeeze one or two more in there but I wouldn't. I can't imagine the mess and general ick of 4 ducks in my run. That's just me. On occasion I have had to bring the girls inside and place them in a large walk in shower stall slightly larger than the coop you're considering and no way would I put 4 ducks in there. Really, really not enough room...especially if they may be in the coop more than overnight. Figure they need water and feed at some point in a 24 hr period...even the smallest functiinal water set up solely for drinking takes up space.

 

[Puddles7.15.17]

Right now the 3 are about 2 weeks old and 1 is a little over a month old. I let them out when I'm home from work. But I live on a lake and have neighbors and wild ducks and I wouldn't want anything happening to them while I'm gone. I want a realistic functional space that they'd be comfortable in while I'm at work.

 

[gal5150]

Completely makes sense....any way you can make the coop a little bigger...planning ahead for their adult size?

 

[Mommapig]

Linoleum is a must! So grateful I did it! My house is 4x6 and plenty big for my 4 my run is about 20x15 and perfect for them. I started off wanting two so I'd make it bigger just in case

 

[quackingdom]

The run needs to be at least 40 square feet and the coop at least 16. Bigger is always better, especially if there's any chance “duck math” will kick in. And be sure the coop has plenty of ventilation. Good luck!

 

[Puddles7.15.17]

Completely makes sense....any way you can make the coop a little bigger...planning ahead for their adult size?

• Yes I'm trying to plan ahead for their adult size!