First duck run

[Pottsgrp]

HI,

This is my first visit here, so hello!

I have bought incubator etc for hatching duck eggs and have ordered a small batch of fertile eggs so will be giving it a go!

Thinking ahead I am pondering where to site a duck run. I have a wooden gazebo with concrete base which once housed a hot tub. I could full enclose with mesh and a door. Is a concrete floor ok and if so what’s the best thing to use to cover it for ducks?
Also, it gets some sun in the morning but not in the afternoon. Any problem with that for ducks?

Thanks
Graham

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hi Graham welcome to the forum
Very exciting!
In terms of where to put them, you are right they need shade and a sunny spot is also good, they would also appreciate a large bush where they can get under and feel safe.
Concrete is not recommended for ducks at all, they will develop painful foot problems really quickly. The best option is grass, under cover if you don't want it destroyed when it rains. They love nothing more than to forage so they would need grass, shrubs, water to bathe in etc. etc. They need a lot of space in order to fulfil their behavioural requirements and to keep fit and healthy.
Good luck!

 

[Pottsgrp]

Hi,

Sorry.... missed your reply. The idea with the concrete base is to use this for their secure overnight location. It’s got a solid roof and I can easily enclose the whole thing in chain link fencing to keep our local fox out at night. He or she makes an appearance in the garden most nights.

I am thinking of also getting one of those duck runs with a mesh roof that can sit on the grass during the day, which I can then move around to spread the damage to the grass! I am wondering whether maybe I could put some of that artificial grass on top of the concrete in the night enclosure and spread wood shavings on that so it’s easy on their feet.

This all assumes that some of my eggs hatch of course! They spent one day in the fairly cheap incubator I had bought but I ran out of ways to reduce the humidity, other than not put any water in, which was sitting constantly at 85%. They are now in a Brinsea Maxi where the humidity is sitting reliably at 50-51%. I can also see them and will be able to do a time lapse if and when they hatch!

 

[dorsetduckowner]

good luck with the eggs!!!
The best thing for the concrete run is stable matting They may eat the artificial grass which wont end well

 

[Pottsgrp]

Ah.... hadn’t thought of that. Perfect. Looks easy to jet wash too!