Provide at least 15-20 square feet of outdoor run per duck

Build an outdoor run with at least 15–20 square feet per duck — more is always better. Ducks spend most of their waking hours outdoors foraging, bathing, and socializing. Unlike chickens, ducks do not scratch the ground but instead dabble with their bills, so they do less physical damage to the run surface. However, their constant water splashing and wet droppings create mud faster than any other poultry.

Why It Works

Adequate run space distributes waste and water splashing over a larger area, preventing the entire run from becoming a mud pit. More space also allows natural foraging behavior (ducks are excellent slug and insect hunters), reduces social stress, and gives the ground time to dry between uses. Runs smaller than 10 square feet per duck become permanent mud within weeks.

Tips

• Cover the run with bird netting or hardware cloth to protect against aerial predators (hawks, owls, eagles)
• Secure the fence base with a buried or surface-laid wire apron to prevent digging
• Consider dividing the run into 2–3 sections and rotating access to allow ground recovery
• Place all water features (pools, waterers) in one designated area of the run to concentrate mud and keep the rest drier