DIY: Duck Pen

When building a duck pen you have to make sure that that the area is dry, provides good shade and is safe from wild animals. For every three ducks you want to house, allow about one and a quarter square yard of space. Your pen should be made easy to access so you can keep it clean and neat. Within the one weekend with some basic planning and simple tools you can have your own duck pen.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 X 4 wood posts, 6.5 to 7.5 feet tall
  • Staple gun and heavy-duty staples
  • Hardware cloth for sub-floor and perimeter of pen
  • Wire mesh or heavy-gauge galvanized fencing for walls
  • Gravel for floor (optional)
  • Cement blocks, pavers or large stones
  • Straw bedding
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an area for your pen with good shade and drainage. It is best to have a sheltered pen close to your house so you can keep an eye on the ducks and create an attached or nearby outdoor pen for them to use in the daytime.

    • 2

      Check to see if the area stays dry. If so, it's fine to have a dirt or gravel floor. Place a layer of hardware cloth under the floor to prevent burrowing creates from getting into your pen. Plan to cover the floor in straw bedding and change it frequently.

    • 3

      Place your 4 x 4 posts a yard apart to form the outside walls of the pen. Sink the posts 1.5 feet into the ground, leaving 5 to 6 feet above ground.

    • 4

      Staple your wire mesh or heavy gauge galvanized fencing to the posts.

    • 5

      Line the bottom three feet of the fencing, on the inside, with predator-proofing hardware cloth. Your ducks will sleep against this. Line the outside perimeter of the pen with concrete blocks or heavy stones to further discourage digging.

    • 6

      Line the top of the floor with your straw bedding. Check to make sure all staples are secured in place. Your pen is now ready for your ducks.