It is very important to have well-built, predator-proof duck housing in place before you even consider getting or adopting these fine aquatic creatures.
There are several important points to consider.
Ducks need protection from predators and other elements. All six sides of the duck housing that you will build should be predator-proof. The floor should also be considered as most predators will dig to get to your duck for food. You may use a hardware cloth with an opening of 1″ or smaller to make sure that these beauties are kept out. Plastic composite sheeting can be used as the top and base of the duck house. If you have a strict budget, you may consider using water-proof plywood for the top panel.
The duck house should be well-built as many big predators can turn simple wire cages with no trouble. A strong wooden or metal frame would be an excellent choice.
Your duck housing should also shelter your waterfowls from the outside weather.
Even if they have lots of feather to keep them warm, ducks need protection from extreme heat and cold. You don’t have to build a new or fancy shelter.
The shelter need not be new or fancy, just practical. Ducks will not really care if the style of their house is made out of recycled wooden pallets – they simply need shelter from the elements and predators.
The base needs to have a floor that is trouble-free for their webbed feet, is easy to maintain and still provides protection from predators. You can use a buried galvanized cloth for the base.
Since ducks are fond of water, building their house near an open pond can also be considered. There duck house should be strategically placed nearby so they can access it easily to keep them dry. Some people use floating canopies or small houses for their duck housing. Using this modified housing lets your ducks waddle outside if they want to swim in water. The only problem with this kind of shelter is the number of ducks that you can house on each shelter. Some miniature houses can only house one duck. You should consider other options if you have a large flock.
You should make sure that the duck housing you build provides the needs of your duck. Also consider the expenses as well as the maintenance for the different types of shelter you will use before actually selecting one.