In the wild, ducks live in lakes and ponds. In these habitats, they have to shelter under bushes and in high grasses. However, when ducks are domesticated and raised by humans, they often live in houses. So, do ducks need houses? Whether they technically need them or not, if you provide your ducks with a sheltered place to go, it will be a huge hit.
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to add a duck house to your garden, you should check out these DIY duck house plans you can make today. With a few materials and some simple construction, you’ll have your own private duck dwelling ready in no time. These simple plans are easy to follow, and you’ll be able to get everything you need at your local hardware store. Just remember to take your time and make sure the finished product is sturdy enough to withstand the weather.
The 19 DIY Duck House Plans & Ideas
1. The Repurposed Doll House by Loving The Spectrum
| Materials: | Old doll house, wood, nails, screws |
| Tools: | Saw, hammer, screwdriver |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
This is an awesome idea for upcycling a doll house. If you have an old dollhouse around your house, or if you can pick one up at a yard sale, it would be perfect for it. However, we would recommend lowering the doll house a little in comparison to this picture because ducks don’t like to climb much. They are so heavy that they are afraid of falling off of the ramp.
2. The Barrel Duck House by Low Impact
| Materials: | Old barrel, wood, nails, screws |
| Tools: | Saw, hammer, screwdriver |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
A barrel duck house is a simple structure made out of a large barrel with a door cut into it. The inside is often lined with straw or other insulation to keep the ducks warm. This type of housing is popular with small farmers because it is easy and cheap to build, and the ducks prefer it to the alternative of having to be outside.
3. 4-by-4 Standard Duck House by My Outdoor Plans
| Materials: | Lumber, siding, plywood, hinges, nails, screws, tar paper, wood glue, paint |
| Tools: | Saw, hammer, screwdriver, drill |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
This standard DIY duck house plan shouldn’t take you long to complete if you’re handy with tools. This duck house is designed to comfortably house several ducks. It is made out of standard lumber dimensions and can be easily built in a weekend. The roof is slanted for drainage, and the door has a small ramp for the ducks to walk up. There is also a small landing area at the back of the house for the ducks to rest. The size isn’t too large for those with smaller outdoor spaces.
4. 3-by-4 A-Frame Shingle Roof Duck House by DIY Diva
| Materials: | Wood, plywood, nails, screws |
| Tools: | Hammer, drill, screwdriver, saw |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
This is a duck house with an A-frame and a shingle roof. It is made of sturdy materials that will keep your ducks warm and dry. The duck house features a small door for your ducks to enter and exit, as well as a window to let light in.
5. 4-Foot Cable Spool Duck House by Instructables
| Materials: | Cable spool, plywood, nails, screws, paint, wood filler |
| Tools: | circular saw, jigsaw, drill, screwdriver or chisel, socket wrench, sander, paintbrush |
| Difficulty: | Hard |
This duck house is made from a 4-foot diameter cable spool. With a door in the front and center for the ducks to enter and exit, and ventilation holes on the sides to allow the ducks to breathe. This duck house is shown with a green roof and unpainted sides, but you can pretty it up in any colors you choose. If placed in a predator-resistant enclosure, no door is needed to protect your ducks.
6. Portable Quacker Box Duck House by Tyrant Farms
| Materials: | Wheels, wire, lumber, plywood, nails, screws, paint, and wood filler |
| Tools: | Saw, drill, screwdriver, hammer, paintbrush |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
This is a duck house that is designed to be portable and easy to set up. The duck house has a roof and walls to protect the ducks from the elements, and it includes a door, window, and large ventilated space so they can get in and out or enjoy a bit of both at the same time.
7. Upcycled DIY Duck House Plan by Bepas Garden
| Materials: | Spare roofing tiles, leftover paint, recycled lumber, upcycled plywood, nails, screws, varnish, and wood filler |
| Tools: | Screwdriver, drill, saw, hammer, paintbrush |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
This duck house plan is ideal for anyone who wants to recycle and upcycle old materials into a new and useful product. The plan is simple and easy to follow, the finished Duck House will be sturdy and weatherproof, and it will provide a warm and comfortable home for your ducks. Depending on the materials you have around your shop or yard, you can build your structure as large or small as you wish. You can create a perfect waterfowl home by repurposing old building materials.
8. Salvaged Plywood Duck House and Run by Hip Chick Digs
| Materials: | Salvaged Plywood, predator-proof welded wire, nails, screws, varnish, and wood filler |
| Tools: | Drill, saw, hammer, paintbrush, screwdriver |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
In just one afternoon, you can have a complete house and run built out of salvaged plywood and a few extra supplies, such as roofing material and predator-proof welded wire. Several ducks have four square feet each, as well as plenty of room to roam outside. They will be protected from predators by the roofing material, which will keep their house dry and warm.
9. Recycled Wooden Packing Crate Duck House by Poultry Keeper
| Materials: | Salvaged packing crate, lumber, nails, screws, paint |
| Tools: | Screwdriver, drill, saw, hammer, paintbrush |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The recycled wooden packing crate duck house is made up of repurposed materials including a used wooden packing crate and some scrap lumber. The crate has been cut down to size and fitted with a roof and a door, and the scrap lumber has been used to create a ramp. This fun and functional duck house is perfect for backyard bird enthusiasts or anyone looking for an inexpensive DIY project.
10. Duck House Made With Wood Pallets by Yellow Birch Hobby Farm
| Materials: | Wood pallets, lumber, nails, screws, paint |
| Tools: | Drill, saw, hammer, screwdriver, screws, nails |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The duck house is made out of wood pallets, which is a great way of recycling wood. Wood pallets are often used to create outdoor furniture because they are affordable and durable. The duck house is a fun and easy project that can be completed over a weekend. The pallets are easy to work with and can be painted or stained to match your backyard decor.
11. DIY Duck House in a Rustic Style by The Cape Coop
| Materials: | Scrap wood, nails, screws, paint, nails |
| Tools: | Hammer, screwdriver, drill, saw |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
A rustic duck house is an ideal solution for housing ducks in your yard. This particular DIY Duck House is designed with a more natural and homey look. The entire house is made out of wood, with a window on the side of the house, and a door in the front. The house can be put together in just a few hours. Your ducks can be provided with a suitable habitat using scrap wood and leftover building supplies.
12. The Duck Hotel by Backyard Chickens
| Materials: | Reclaimed lumber, plywood, paint, tin, roofing compound, screws, salvaged fencing |
| Tools: | Hammer, saw, screwdriver, paintbrush |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
The Duck Hotel is a grand five-star space crafted from freely sourced materials like deck lumber and fencing. This structure provides rustic charm to any yard. It boasts a strong base, faux windows, a tin roof and awning, a skylight, and even a backdoor for maintenance purposes.
13. The Upcycled Pallet Pen by Tactical House Wife
| Materials: | Quality pallets, cage wire, garden stakes, metal roofing, gate hinges, and latches |
| Tools: | Hammer, screwdriver |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
Repurposing pallets to build your duck pen is an excellent idea for a DIY project, especially if you’re aiming for an efficient and budget-friendly build. This project is the perfect way to give your ducks a home on the cheap.
14. The Zero-Budget Duck House by Needles and Nails
| Materials: | Pallets, scrap wood, screws, shingles, small hinges, handles, latches, paint, barn door hinges, hardware cloth |
| Tools: | Saw, drill, staple gun, hammer, level |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Maximizing your existing resources can lead to creative and cost-effective solutions, just like this zero-budget duck house. If you’re overwhelmed by a growing number of ducks and limited by a tight budget, this design could be your saving grace. This project proves you don’t need to break the bank to provide your ducks with a home that’s both functional and comfortable.
15. DIY Rustic and Moveable Duck House by Home Grown
| Materials: | Pallets, shadow-box wood fence panels, corrugated plastic, plywood, vinyl tile, hinges, hooks, locks, decor elements |
| Tools: | Reciprocating saw, drill, drywall screws, measuring tape |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
Embrace the charm of rusticity with this DIY duck house that is affordable, easy to clean, cute, and, best of all, movable. Despite its humble construction, this house can be enhanced and decorated over time to meet evolving needs. Most importantly, it provides a safe and comfortable home for your ducks, proving that function, charm, and cost-efficiency can coexist.
16. The Pallet Palace by Yellow Birch Hobby Farm
| Materials: | Pallets, nails, bricks, insulation, shipping crate boards, paint, shingles, hinges, hook and eye latch |
| Tools: | Hammer, hand saw |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
The Pallet Palace is an innovative duck house that leverages the versatility of pallets for its construction. It’s another budget-friendly solution that you can make in a day. As a friendly reminder, we recommend you use heat-treated (marked “HT”) pallets, as these have been kiln-dried and should be free of harmful chemicals.
17. The Door and Pallet Duck Haven by The Project Lady
| Materials: | Old door with broken window pane, heavy pallet, fence pickets, 2×6 lumber, plywood, hardware cloth, metal roofing, screws, hinges, door clasps |
| Tools: | Miter saw, circular saw, metal grinder, nail gun, drill, impact driver |
| Difficulty: | Hard |
The Door and Pallet Duck Haven is a great project for those with reclaimed materials on hand and an old door for a main feature. Even an old fence picket cut to width serves as a sturdy base for the home. It’s a simple yet highly effective duck house that is built to last.
18. The Fortified Pallet Duck House by Simply Self Sufficiency
| Materials: | Pallets, nails, hinges |
| Tools: | Hammer, hand saw |
| Difficulty: | Intermediate |
The Fortified Pallet Duck House is a sturdy project specifically designed to protect your ducks from predators. The construction process involves three walls initially, followed by the front wall featuring a door for easy access. The roof, designed to be hinged, allows for effortless cleaning.
19. The Doghouse Duck Dwelling by Fresh Eggs Daily
| Materials: | Old doghouse (wooden), 1/2-inch welded wire, wooden slats, 1 x 12-inch board, plywood, hinges, two lockable eye hooks (predator-proof), paint, knobs |
| Tools: | Paintbrush, cordless drill with saw hole bit, hammer |
| Difficulty: | Intermediate |
Transition your old wooden doghouse into a cozy abode for your ducks with The Doghouse Duck Dwelling project! The only thing to remember is that ducks, unlike dogs, prefer living closer to ground level, so ensure your renovation takes this into account. If the original doghouse sits higher from the ground, make the necessary adjustments to accommodate your ducks.
Types of Duck Houses
Ducks are a great addition to any garden, and with the right duck house, they can be happy and healthy. There are many different types of duck houses available, so it is important to choose the right one for your ducks. Some are basic and provide just the essentials, while others are more elaborate and include features such as automatic waterers and feeders. It is important to choose a duck house that is appropriate for the climate in which you live, as well as the size of your backyard, with a ramp for the ducks to access the house.
Size of Duck House
The size of the duck house you need depends on how many ducks you have. The size of the house is important because it needs to be big enough for the ducks to move around in, but not so big that it becomes difficult to keep warm. In addition, the size of the duck house will affect how much insulation is needed, and how much heating is required. Ducks need a lot of space—between 2 and 10 square feet per bird, depending on the breed.
Location of Duck House
The location of your duck house is also important and ideally, it should be in a sunny spot with access to water. Ducks need access to a pond or pool to swim in, and a place to perch. If they can’t get into the water, they will become muddy and unhappy. The duck house should be situated in an that is also sheltered from the wind. The house should be placed on a platform or deck that is at least 6 inches off the ground and elevated above any flooding potential. The platform should also be large enough to accommodate the size of the duck house and have a ramp for the ducks to get in and out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building your own duck house is a fun and easy project that can provide your ducks with a safe and comfortable place to live. Not only will your ducks appreciate the new home, but you will also enjoy watching them play and swim in their very own backyard pond. There are a variety of plans and ideas out there for building a duck house.
No matter which one of the plans you choose, make sure the house is big enough for the ducks, has adequate ventilation and is easy to clean. With just a few simple supplies and some basic carpentry skills, you can have a custom-made duck house that will keep your ducks happy and healthy.
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Featured Image Credit: seehafershores, Pixabay