Space requirements

[dragonmaker]

What size run do I need for 4 egg laying ducks?

 

[KathiQuacks]

A 40+ sq ft run would be good, arguably more if they won’t be free ranging. Keep in mind this is walking space, not total space.

They’ll also need a 16+ sq ft coop to sleep in overnight.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree. With ducks bigger is DEFINITELY better.

Even with 30sq feet per duck my duck pen was difficult to manage the wet in. Eventually I sold them.

 

[dragonmaker]

I can’t free range them because my dog would eat them, so should I build a bigger run than 40square feet?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would. Just 40 square feet will be a hot mess all the time.
A 10x10 is 100 square feet and I feel that is still to tight even for just 4 ducks.

Do you have space limits?

 

[dragonmaker]

No space limits. Just budget limits to materials I can buy to build a coop and run. I’m still saving up for my duck run right now so I can make it as big as necessary so long as I know what they need.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Maybe make a 10x10 run for now but build it so you can add on later. Position it with the intention of adding on.

 

[dragonmaker]

That’s doable! That’s 25ft squared per duck, right? That way if I increase the number of ducks I know how much more I need to build

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would say see how the 4 do and how managing the run mess works then go from there.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

10 x 10 is still pretty small in my opinion. I keep mine (8) in a coop about that size at night only. But, they free range in my large fenced garden during the day. Ducks do great in the garden if you fence off young plants. Plus, their poopy water is like organic miracle grow. Just a thought if that is an option.