Not all duck houses are created equal. To design the best duck house, you need to truly understand the unique needs of ducks and how they differ physically and behaviourally from chickens and other poultry.
Understanding Ducks’ Natural Behaviour
Ducks vary in size from small Call Ducks to large Muscovies, but they all share a love of water. In the wild, ducks build open nests on small islands or in dense vegetation near water. This natural behaviour helps protect them from land-based predators but makes collecting eggs difficult for keepers.
A duck house provides the best of both worlds: a secure shelter for ducks to roost overnight or brood, while giving keepers easy access to eggs.
Extra-Sized Door and Spacious Design
The first thing people notice about the Nestera Duck House is its large, wide door. Unlike chickens—whose fluffy feathers make them look bigger than they are—ducks have broad bodies. The spacious design allows easy access for all breeds, including taller Runner Ducks, with generous headroom throughout the coop.
Built for Wet Conditions
Ducks’ love of water can cause major issues for traditional wooden duck houses. Ducks drink a lot, often remain damp underneath, and produce large amounts of liquid droppings. This constant moisture quickly rots wood, harbours bacteria, and makes cleaning difficult.
That’s why Nestera Duck Houses are made from dense, recycled plastic. This material:
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Does not absorb water or bacteria
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Stays strong and hygienic for decades
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Makes cleaning quick and easy
Nesting Without Nest Boxes
Unlike hens, ducks prefer open-style nesting. For this reason, the Nestera Duck House does not include nest boxes. Instead, it provides ample floor space so ducks can build their own nests in the corner of their choice.
No Perches – Just Open Space
Most duck breeds do not roost at night but sleep on the floor instead. That’s why the Nestera design excludes perches, leaving a wide, open floor for ducks to move around freely without obstacles.
Ground-Level Access
Ducks aren’t as agile on land as chickens. They struggle with steps and ramps, as their bodies are adapted for swimming and feeding in water. The Nestera Duck House sits directly on the ground, making it fully accessible for all ducks.
Predator Protection and Weather Resistance
Strong, solid construction makes the Nestera Duck House safe from nocturnal predators and provides excellent protection against bad weather. During the day, ducks should also be protected with secure fencing to ensure safety from daytime threats.
