Looking for run setup advice

[lothalvalleyfarm]

I purchased this used chicken coop from a friend so I can run some ducks, I've been getting a lot of requests for duck eggs. Right now I'm trying to solve how to set up some kind of pool for the ducks to enjoy. I'd like to use the space under the coop itself. It's only 2 feet high, and about 4'x90".

My friend kept it partitioned off so she didn't have to treasure hunt for chicken eggs under there. I can reinstall the partition but I'd rather use that space. I'm open to other ideas to use that space but I think it's no good for feeding or laying because I'd have to crawl in there. I'd love to see photos of other people's duck set ups.

Yes the whole coop and run still need to be properly leveled and sited. We need to add some boards to do that, remove the roosting bars and headers and dunnage from transport, level and dig channels, bury hardware cloth to prevent digging, sand and paint it, reinstall the ramp and gutters and so forth.

advice

 

[U_Stormcrow]

If the ducks can crawl in there, they will lay in there. I have a raised chicken coop myself - ducks can't get in it. They sleep underneath it, nest underneath it, and lay eggs underneath it.

Ducks also have a lot of trouble gettingin and out of things. Your pool sides can't be too high, or they will have difficulty getting in and out. and at least locally, it turns green VERY fast. Meaning I am pumping and refilling constantly. The kiddie pools break under that kind of use - likely get most of a year out of one.

I finally bought a big plastic stock tank (rubbermaid?) ran a water line to it, then planted cinder blocks around it as a ramp. Needs a drain, but other than that, good. Next time, I'll buy a larger size with a built in drain.

But that's likely not an expense you are considering. Particularly as duck eggs are few and far between.

I'll try to remember to take a photo of my set up.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

As mentioned ducks do not to climb ramps. You would be better served if you could drop the house part or raise the coop area. I built mine from chicken coop plans but dropped the house part.

 

[lothalvalleyfarm]

If the ducks can crawl in there, they will lay in there. I have a raised chicken coop myself - ducks can't get in it. They sleep underneath it, nest underneath it, and lay eggs underneath it.

Ducks also have a lot of trouble gettingin and out of things. Your pool sides can't be too high, or they will have difficulty getting in and out. and at least locally, it turns green VERY fast. Meaning I am pumping and refilling constantly. The kiddie pools break under that kind of use - likely get most of a year out of one.

I finally bought a big plastic stock tank (rubbermaid?) ran a water line to it, then planted cinder blocks around it as a ramp. Needs a drain, but other than that, good. Next time, I'll buy a larger size with a built in drain.

But that's likely not an expense you are considering. Particularly as duck eggs are few and far between.

I'll try to remember to take a photo of my set up.

I have other livestock so I have those livestock tanks in 50 and 100 gallon sitting around, that's not an issue. I have khaki campbells on order which supposedly lay the best and on par with many breeds of chicken. I swear I've seen ducks use ramps before. I have no coop here that does not require a ramp. Can they use the ladders/stairs?I figured a gentle ramp would be easier.

 

[U_Stormcrow]