A Well Designed Duck Coop To Make Your Life Easier.

What does a well designed duck coop mean?

The best duck coop needs to provide your ducks with somewhere they can sleep at night that will give them security and protect them from the elements.

By thinking ahead about what kind of duck housing you are going to build. You will avoid many pitfalls and save yourself so much time and energy, and yes, in the long run even money. Besides, providing your ducks with these duck coop essentials, you will be making your flock a happy and healthy home to live in and make it easier for you too.

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Table of Contents

Do ducks use a coop?

You may have heard that ducks don’t use a coop. That they like to stay outside all the time, and though this is true much of the time, there are times your ducks need shelter. There are things a good duck coop needs to provide.

Giving ducks a refuge from weather extremes improves egg and meat production. It takes a lot of energy to stay warm or cool.

And remember, everything likes to eat ducks. And many predators are very resourceful. Keeping your ducks safe will take some forethought.

Before You Start Building Your Duck House…

Before you put your first nail in your first board and before you get your first duck, there are a few things you need to do.

Check your zoning and deed restrictions. Some communities do not allow ducks and chickens. (it will probably be listed as chickens, but they will lump them all in together.)

There are likely rules on how many you can keep and where you can put your coop, like how far it needs to be away from your neighbor’s lot line.

Don’t assume that it is a rural area, or “you own your land”. In my area, the more rural areas DON’T allow chickens and ducks, and the urban areas do. Don’t expect it to make sense, we are talking about the government after all.

2. Check your site area in the morning, afternoon, and evening and see how the time of day affects the area. Think about it for a few days before deciding if the spot is right for you. Is it high ground or will water puddle? Does it get the right amount of sunlight? Will it in the winter? In the summer? Think about the things that are mentioned in this article before you begin.

What type Of Duck Coop Is Right For You?

There are so many different types of duck coops. My daughter and I have had 4 different types ourselves, over the years, as we have tried different duck coop ideas out, each time learning from what worked and didn’t work the last time.

Here is a glimpse of our journey.

Coop #1

We started out with a purchased chicken coop, that said it was “made for 8 chickens”. I don’t think it was big enough for more than 3 small chickens and definitely not for 8 large ducks.

We put it inside a large run made of chain link dog kennel panels, to which we added a welded wire top. This, and the fact that we live in Florida was the only saving grace to this coop. We ended up adding a “covered porch” so they could all at least get out of the rain.

It was also made out of a very thin wood that just didn’t last out in the elements. It wasn’t long before this started falling apart.

I also discovered that the chain-link was not as secure as I had thought, as a bobcat was able to reach right through and do a great deal of damage to a few of my ducks who were sleeping up against the fence, causing us to have to put some ducks down. Great tears were shed that day and lessons learned. I added wire to the bottom of the chain link to keep anything from reaching through. (who knew I had bobcats in suburbia)

Just for the record. I have yet to see a purchased chicken coop that was adequate for a duck. Read on and you will learn why.

Coop #2

We tried the open air concept. A floor and a roof, surrounded with a windbreak panel on 3 sides. And then covered nesting boxes. I already knew my girls liked the nesting boxes. They worked very well for us.

This was set up under a big oak tree that gave them lots of shade during our long, hot summer. That and the “pond” made my girls quite happy.

Related>> Nesting Boxes For Your Ducks.

Coop #3

When my daughter got married she started her own flock in a small plastic shed. We cut windows and covered them with welded wire, but it was out in the sun and it got really hot.

We later moved it under a big oak and added the large run and they were much happier….

Until the Category 4 hurricane…..

Coop #4

That’s what made us decide to build the “poultry palace” as she raises both chickens and ducks.

This was a proper building with a poured cement floor, a human sized door, and an automatic door to let them out and close them in at night. My daughter works odd hours so this was a necessity.

And still, we are learning about ways to make it better….the next time.

Related>> Get Coop Plans From Easy Coops. (ad)

What kind of coop do ducks need?

But these don’t even scratch the surface of all the types of duck housing that there are.

So, what is the best type of duck coop for your birds and for your circumstances? Let’s look at the most common types of coops that there are.

Types Of Duck Coops.

> Stationary Coops.

The types of coops I’ve mentioned above are all stationary coops with runs. They don’t move.

This is probably the most common type of coop in urban and suburban areas.

The runs are picked bare of any vegetation in the first week, leaving bare ground. I used the deep litter method in my coop and run to control the poop and the mud, and the flies, and it worked quite well for me.

Even if you live in the far north, your ducks will want to get outside most days. Ducks especially love to be outside. (more so than chickens) Most even prefer to sleep outside on nice nights. That’s why I like a predator proofed run and coop together because they still need to get in out of the rain and the snow and the hail….

> Large Stand-up Houses

The poultry palace is a good example of a “stand up house”. That is one you can stand up in. It is easier to clean and gives a better space for ventilation.

It is easy to use the deep litter method which is more comfortable for your ducks who sleep on the floor and it helps keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Heat rises and with the proper ventilation, it also helps keep it cooler in the summer. In the winters the ventilation is high enough to not cause a draft and the deep litter will keep them off the cold floor.

> Small Box

A duck coop doesn’t have to be an elaborate building. If you only have a few ducks it could be as simple as a made over large dog house or something slapped together from scrap material or pallet wood. Just remember it will need to be kept clean (think about how will you clean it out.) and it needs to be big enough for what you are putting in it. And most important, it needs to be secure.

Pro Tip: Make sure any stationary coop is on high ground. You don’t want it to puddle (or outright flood) when it rains.

> Movable

If you have enough space, many people like the idea of a movable coop.

You can build the small box type of coop with a welded wire bottom so the poop can go through and put it on wheels so it can be moved around the yard. You can then use electric fencing to let them out during the day. This can allow your ducks always to have fresh grass to eat and walk on.

Justin Rhodes calls this a “chick-shaw”.

If it is raised up enough for them to get under during the day, they will be less of a target for aerial predators, such as hawks and owls, and will give them a shady place to rest. Make sure they have a long enough ramp as their feet make it hard to climb a steep incline.

This type is harder on the feet of a duck than a chicken as a chicken roosts and a duck would be sitting right on the welded wire.

This is also not a good suggestion for winter in cold climates. Chickens will roost up higher, whereas ducks sit right on the cold drafty floor.

This is my Least Recommended option for ducks. But can be great for chickens.

A second type of movable coop has no bottom and you can just drag it around the yard. This is great as the ducks have fresh grass every day. But with no bottom you definitely must have a fence around it as many predators can dig under to get to your birds. You will also want to think of an alternative for the winter months.

Joel Salatin uses this design with a guard goose for his summer meat chickens.

> Floating

Another type of duck coop is the floating coop. A coop can be constructed on a floating platform. These can be a beautiful, iconic decoration for your pond, but it may or may not be very practical for your ducks.

If you do make one, make sure it is tethered to the shore so you can bring it to edge of the pond or lake to clean it. Your ducks will also need another coop for inclement weather, when the pond freezes, and a place to be fed.

Also, though it may protect the ducks from land predators, they are still exposed to aerial predators such as hawks, eagles, and ospreys.

And don’t forget that there are water predators such as large fish, alligators, and the worst, turtles. They will bite the feet and legs of ducks and take ducklings whole.

What are the ‘Must Haves’ of a DIY Coop?

There are many nice things to have in your housing, but what are the things you really need to consider?

How Big Should My Duck Home Be?

As with anything, size matters.

The dimensions of the duck coop will depend on how many ducks you are currently keeping and plan to house in the future. The duck house size should be factored by at least 4 square feet ( 3716.12 sq cm) of floor space per bird, just for the coop. They will need additional space to run around in during the day, whether that is a run or free-ranging. A run should have a minimum of 8 sq feet (7432.24 sq cm). More is always better.

A note of caution here – these are minimum space requirements per bird. If you can build bigger, do so. It is likely that at some point you will get more birds, In the chicken raising world, this is known as chicken math as they seem to keep multiplying.

How High Off The Ground Should A Duck House Be?

Your duck coop should be pretty much ground level. If it is off the ground, you need to have a gently sloping ramp into the coop to accommodate those big webbed feet.

What Can You Make Your Duck Coop Out Of?

Duck houses can be made out of many materials. The sky is the limit. It will mostly depend on where you live (consider deed restrictions), the space you have, how much money you have to spend, and the part of the country you live in. (hot or cold)

The most common material is wood. Your coop can be made entirely of wood. If it is, make sure it is pressure treated wherever it touches the ground or it will be gone in no time from termites or rot. Then paint it well to protect the wood from the elements.

But wood can be a problem where mice and rats are concerned. Mice and rats are attracted to everything duck and chicken. Especially their food. And rodents can chew through wood.

Your coop can be made with a cement floor. This option is easy to clean because you can use a hose to spray it out once the deep litter is removed.

You can have a steel building. But remember that steel gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. If you live where temperatures are at all extreme, it will need to be insulated or put in a shady area, such as under a large tree.

Cement block, brick, or rock are other great (but expensive) building materials that are very durable and have great insulating qualities, keeping it cooler in the summer and holding the heat in the winter. This type of duck coop is very permanent, though, so make sure it is where you want it to stay before you build it.

What Can I Use For A Duck Home?

A Pre-made shed is another possibility. You can buy a shed and put a ramp up to the door and you are all set. Just make sure it is secure from predators and rats and that it doesn’t leak. Every shed we have ever bought has leaked. Sigh.

You can also makeover an old playhouse, or gardening shed, potting shed, or even a stall in the barn. Some have even used a large dog house. It is only limited to your imagination.

What Are Some Necessary Things For A Duck Coop?

> All Coops Need Good Doors.

It is best to make the poultry door 14” square. An automatic duck door (Usually sold as chicken doors) is a very nice feature, though these are usually about 12″ square. My ducks fit through them just fine. (they just have to duck a bit – no pun intended.) These can be battery, solar or direct-wired depending on your situation and the one you choose.

LOVESHARE Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener Kit.

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You will also need doors for you to go in if your coop is big enough.

Access to the coop for you should be a standard-sized door so that you don’t bump your head every time you enter.

And if not, you need a door for cleaning out the coop. It can be a whole side on hinges with a secure lock, that drops down or comes off completely. Some will even design a bottom that pulls out. But being able to clean your coop is something very important NOT to forget.

One thing all duck houses need is a door with a secure latch. A carabiner works great. But if a small child can open it, a raccoon definitely can. Don’t underestimate predators.

Why do All Coops Need Good Ventilation?

There are two important reasons why ALL COOPS MUST HAVE GOOD VENTILATION. Fresh Air and Reducing Moisture.

Whether winter or summer, ducks (and chickens for that matter) need good coop ventilation.

Ducks produce a lot of moisture through breathing and through their manure. Unless this moisture is carried out of the coop with good overhead ventilation, it can cause bedding to mold, respiratory issues, and frostbite in cold climates.

Your ducks need a dry coop, not a damp coop.

Ventilation for your coop is vital. In summer the vents will allow the warmer air out, keeping the coop cooler and in winter it allows the moist air out.

Some people think that ducks’ houses need to be sealed up tight to keep in the warm air, but actually, the opposite is true. If the air fills with ammonia and moisture. It can be worse than the cold.

Pro Tip> A damp coop is more dangerous than a cold coop.

Are Windows Necessary In A Duck House?

Putting windows in a duck coop may not be necessary. Some folks add the windows to provide extra light for the ducks and others just for aesthetics. But ducks prefer to be outdoors as much as possible, even when there is snow on the ground.

Because ducks will spend the bulk of their time in the run or free-ranging if permitted, providing extra light is not essential.

But in places where it gets very hot, the extra cross breeze may be beneficial.

If you choose to install windows, use hardware cloth in place of screens for security, or leave out the glass altogether and just use the hardware cloth or welded wire. You can add shutters that can be closed for bad or cold weather.

Can I Let My Ducks Free Range?

You might be wondering if having a duck run or free-ranging is better.

Free-ranging is not allowed or practical for everyone. If you do allow your ducks to free-range, a perimeter fence is a must to keep them out of the street, out of neighbor’s yards, and away from land predators.

But even if you can free-range, having a run is important for times when you are not going to be home or for whatever reason you want them to be confined, but not “cooped up”…literally.

So a duck run is a good idea, even if you intend on free-ranging.

What Kind Of Enclosure Do Ducks Need?

Most well designed duck coops in urban and suburban neighborhoods have an attached run. This is an outside place for your birds to go during the day to get out of the coop and spread their wings

If you don’t have a perimeter fence, you have ducks that fly and get out, or if you are not always there to watch them. These are just a few of the reasons to have an attached run where your feathered friends can get out into the fresh air and sunshine, and still be safe.

A covered run provides…

you can sleep in.
safety on days you can’t supervise.
they can get out of the coop even on days the weather is bad.
in suburbia, you may not be allowed to free-range your ducks.
ducks love to be outside, even at night, this affords them protection from predators while they sleep under the stars.
It gives you a place to keep food & water on the outside of the coop, providing you with less mess and less attraction of mice and rats inside the coop.
You know where the eggs are!
It keeps ducks from flying away.

A nice feature is a small area with a solid top. This gives them an area without rain, snow, ice or sun.

What makes A Secure Run?

The duck house run should have a covered top at least 6 ½’ high. Using ½” hardware cloth is your best bet. The next bet is welded wire. The smaller holes the better.

This protects them from flying predators like eagles and hawks, climbing predators like bobcats, mink, raccoons, and weasels.

Don’t use chicken wire. Chicken wire is easy for predators to chew through or tear off, and chain link can be reached through.

Anywhere there is an opening, make sure it is covered in hardware cloth. Regular window screens and chicken wire will keep chickens in, but WILL NOT keep predators out.

And don’t forget to add a skirt of wire buried around the bottom out 12” to keep predators from digging under.

What Is A Rotating Run?

Another option is to build a coop in the middle of many runs (think slices of a pie) and rotate the ducks through them. You can have 4 or 6 runs fenced off, plant them all in grass, herbs, and other greens, even bushes with berries, and let them have access to one run at a time.

Then every couple of weeks they can have a fresh pasture. While you replant the one, they just left. It is a safer alternative to free-ranging.

Should Ducks be locked up at night?

Ducks need to be safe from predators. That does not mean they have to be shut in a coop every night. If you have a secure run, you ducks may gladly choose to sleep under the stars. In fact, you may have a hard time getting them to go inside on nice nights.

Can Ducks And Chickens Share A Coop?

Ducks and chickens can definitely share a coop. My daughter has been housing them together for several years.

There can be some conflicts, however.

You don’t want a drake without enough ducks to mate with or he may start attaching your chickens.
As with any animal (including people) you need enough space or squabbling can occur.
A duck coop doesn’t need as many special things inside. They sleep on the floor. And they nest on the floor.
If you have perches for your chickens (and you should), block off underneath them as the ducks will sleep under the chickens and get pooped on all night, Birds poop 50% – 70% of their droppings at night, and that will just not be good for your ducks.
Ducks also cannot use the same nesting boxes. They can’t/don’t fly up to them and chicken nesting boxes are generally too small anyway. Ducks like nesting boxes on the floor or they may just find a dark corner behind a door or lay them out in the run somewhere. It can be an Easter egg hunt every day with ducks.

What’s The Best Duck For You?

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What Do You Put Inside A Duck House?

Ducks Don’t need nearly as much as chickens, but they do need a few things, and some things will make your life much easier.

> Vinyl Flooring & Paint

Spending the money to cover the floor in vinyl flooring will make clean up so much quicker and easier. It is well worth the amount you will spend. You can usually find small remnants at flooring stores at a much-reduced price.

Also, be sure to paint the inside and the outside of the coop to make it easier to clean, help protect the coop and make it last longer.

> What Is The Best Bedding For Ducks?

Deep Litter is best for your duck coop. It gives your ducks a comfortable bed to sleep on, lay their eggs on, and helps absorb all that poop. Deep litter will keep your ducks warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and It also makes cleanup much easier.

When you clean out your coop it can be composted and used in your garden. Bonus!

If your coop starts to smell a bit…well like a coop, you can always sprinkle a bit of Sweet PDZ coop refresher. It is non-toxic, all-natural, and organic. You will love it!

Related>> Deep Litter – The Best Method For A Duck And Chicken Run.

The Northern Duck Coop.

Ducks are much better at handling the cold than chickens are. They will rush to a pond if you break the ice on the surface and on a sunny day you will find your ducks outside of their coop, even if there is snow on the ground. That being said, if you regularly have temperatures below 0° F. You need to do a few things to your coop that those who live further south do not need to do.

> Do Duck Houses Need To Be Insulated?

Insulating your coop is a good thing to do. Even with vents at the top, a layer of insulation near the bottom will help keep the coop toasty. What you insulate with is not as important as how you do it. Some will just stack bales of hay or straw around the walls of the coop. Others will put insulation in the walls just like you would do with your house. If you do this, make sure it is sealed in so your ducks can not get to it as this could be dangerous if ingested.

> A Windbreak For Your Coop.

A windbreak will help your ducks stay warmer. Make sure it is placed on the side of the coop where the prevailing winds come from. A windbreak will also help your ducks stay warmer when outside in the run.

Your coop can also be a windbreak for your run. By placing your coop on the North or west (depending on where your cold winds come from) side of your run, it can provide some wind block allowing your ducks more time outside without getting chilled.

> Provide A Place To Get Out Of The Snow.

Having a cover on part of your run will give your ducks a place to go outside without havening to stand in the snow, which, after a while, could hurt their feet. Putting down some fresh hay or have pallets or some way they can get up off the frozen ground will help them too. Though they have a special vascular system that helps keep their feet and legs warm, their feet can still get chilled and can even get frostbite.

> Do You Need A Heated Water Bucket?

The most important thing you have to provide for your ducks is water. You will have to make sure your ducks can get water to drink, even if the thermometer goes below freezing.

Having a yard hydrant near your duck coop is a great idea if you live in a very cold climate.

There are many ways to help keep water buckets from freezing, from using black rubber feed pans and putting them inside of tires, (the black rubber absorbs the heat during the day and keeps it warmer overnight.) You can also put a rubber ball in the water. (it breaks the surface tension) Just make sure it is not small enough for the ducks to swallow.

But, if it is cold enough, you may need to have a heated waterer.

> Provide Deep Bedding In The Winter.

Putting down extra deep bedding not only gives your ducks a soft place to sleep but also helps keep your ducks off the cold ground or floor which helps to keep your ducks much warmer in the winter. Straw is an excellent insulator and is compostable too. Make sure it is organic if you want to use it in your garden. Herbicide treated straw can kill a garden.

The Southern Duck Coop.

Further south, the biggest problem is not the cold, but it is the heat in the dog days of summer.

You have 3 things that will help your ducks through this stressful time.

Shade

You need to provide your ducks with plenty of shade. Placing your coop and run under a deciduous tree is a great way for them to have the best of both worlds. Shade in the summer and when the tree loses its leaves in the winter, the sun can shine in and warm them up.

A mulberry tree is an excellent tree for this purpose because it not only provides the shade but food too. As it drops its fruit it gives your girls free food.

Related >> How To Grow Mulberry Trees.

If you don’t have a nice shade tree then plant one! It’s surprising how quickly many trees will grow.

You can also create your own shade by putting up a trellis over your coop and run. Grapevines, beans, or sweet potato vines are good choices and the ducks will love to eat all they can reach.

Or even a tarp suspended over the coop and run will help a lot.

Related>> How To Grow Muscadine Grapes.

2) Plenty of Fresh Cool Water.

Ducks should never be without fresh water. They drink a lot more than most people believe and water is important to keep them cool.

3) A Pool To Splash In.

A duck uses a bath to keep clean, but it can also help to keep her cool. As the thermometer goes up your ducks will want to spend more time in the pool.

Related>> Do Ducks Need a Pond?

Bonus: Cool Treats.

Nice cool watermelon or peas or other cooked vegetables frozen and plopped in a dish of water. It cools off the water and they have so much fun diving for the peas.

Extra Things That Make Your Duck Coop Better.

There are a few things that will make your duck keeping better for you.

A Place To Keep Your Supplies.

While you are designing your duck coop, you should consider where you are going to keep the food, clean deep bedding, and supplies. Keeping them close to your ducks will save you so much time and steps and will make you more likely to keep your coop cleaner and take care of your duck pen better.

This needs to be a secure area that mice and rats can’t get into (yeah right – well at least you should try.) Rats and mice can chew through things you would not even imagine, just to get to duck or chicken food and then they will use the bedding for their own nests.

Building a secure supply building at one end of your coop will ensure you have everything you need close by and will make your life so much easier. It could even double as a windbreak.

You can use galvanized metal trash cans to store food in. This will likely keep rodents out, but use some sort of food-grade liner as galvanizing can sometimes react with the feed.

Where are you going to feed your ducks?

Something else to consider when you are planning your coop is where to feed your ducks. Many duck owners like to have a part of the run covered so the birds can be fed outside. (protected from the rain.)

That will reduce the urge for rodents to get into your coop. and will keep your coop much cleaner.

Don’t forget, water must be near food at all times.

Of course, you will need feeders and drinkers for your flock.

Related>> What To Feed Ducklings.

What Is A Quarantine Area?

Though not necessary, a nice addition to your run is a “quarantine” area. A separated, but attached area (or even a large cage right in your run is a great idea for introducing new ducks or even as a brooder for baby ducklings. I’ve also used it for broody ducks and a place for her to sit on eggs and raise ducklings for the first couple of weeks with less stress. Additionally, it can be a great place for injured ducks to recuperate without being picked on.

However, a true quarantine for sick ducks should be kept separate from your coop and run.

Design Your Perfect Duck Coop.

Now that you know what you and your ducks need, you have everything to design the perfect duck house. A place to keep them safe and out of the weather and a place that is easy and enjoyable for you too. Because the better the duck coop, the healthier and happier your ducks will be!

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