If you’re raising backyard ducks, providing them with a secure, well-designed shelter is essential. Unlike chickens, ducks don’t roost and are particularly vulnerable to predators, meaning their housing needs to be carefully planned.
Whether you’re repurposing a doghouse, modifying a shed, or constructing a custom duck house, here’s everything you need to consider to create the perfect home for your feathered friends.
1. Space Requirements
Ducks spend most of their time on the ground, so adequate floor space is crucial for their comfort.
Plan for at least 4 square feet per duck inside the house to allow them to settle in comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress, unsanitary conditions, and potential health problems.
2. Flooring & Predator Protection
Your duck house should be built to prevent predators from burrowing inside.
While the structure can sit on the ground, using a solid wood or concrete floor helps keep unwanted visitors like raccoons or foxes from digging underneath.
Covering the floor with vinyl sheeting makes cleaning up much easier and prevents moisture buildup, which is especially helpful if you provide water inside the house overnight.
3. Bedding Choices: Straw vs. Shavings
When it comes to bedding, ducks thrive best with straw rather than pine shavings. Straw provides superior insulation during colder months and maintains its structure better, keeping ducks dry and warm.
Pine shavings can absorb moisture, but they also tend to become soggy quickly. Avoid hay, as it’s more prone to mold growth, which can lead to aspergillosis, a dangerous respiratory infection for ducks.
Regardless of the material, be sure to replace wet or soiled bedding regularly to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.
4. Nesting Preferences
Unlike chickens, ducks rarely use nesting boxes, preferring to create a cozy nest in a corner of the duck house.
If you want to offer nesting areas, keep them low to the ground and at least 14 inches square, filled with soft, dry straw.
Another option is placing a wooden crate or box on its side in a secluded corner to see if your ducks take to it.
5. Proper Ventilation for Healthier Ducks
Ducks generate a lot of moisture through their breath, which can lead to excessive humidity inside the house if there’s inadequate airflow.
To prevent moldy bedding, frostbite, and respiratory issues, install vents near the roofline for proper ventilation.
The duck house should also have hinged windows or adjustable shutters, which can be opened or closed depending on the season.
Cover all vents and openings with ½-inch hardware cloth to keep out predators while still allowing air to circulate.
6. Entry & Exit Design
Your ducks’ entrance (also called a pop door) should be wide enough for at least two ducks to enter at once, since they tend to waddle in groups and can get stuck if the doorway is too narrow.
A secure locking mechanism is a must—raccoons, for example, are notorious for being able to unlatch simple closures. Use a locking eye hook or another predator-proof latch to keep them safe at night.
If the duck house is raised off the ground, provide a ramp for easy access. Since ducks aren’t as agile as chickens, a wider ramp with small railings can help them maintain their balance as they waddle up and down.
Final Thoughts
Creating the ideal duck house doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be predator-proof, weather-resistant, and spacious enough for comfort. Whether you modify an existing structure or build one from scratch, keeping these design principles in mind will ensure your ducks have a cozy, safe place to rest, lay eggs, and thrive in your backyard.
