Floating Fortress

Though, it was only after I brought them home that the thought occurred to me to see if you could raise chickens and ducks together.  And If I want ducks for the pond, how indeed would I secure them?  So I got to thinking and figured why not construct something that floats.  Now I right this knowing full well Foxes and coyotes can swim. But I know they avoid it and are slow compared to ducks. For the summer it would be a fine shelter. 

My neighbors informed me they lost a couple ducks one winter on our pond after it froze, so for winter I still need to make a shelter for them. 

The floating fortress consist of 8 (Quality boards) from a local hardware spaced roughly a half inch apart, followed by two 2 by 4's cut length wise and the cut off used width wise. Followed by 1-10` 4" PVC pipe, 2-4" combos, 4- 4" 90's and some plumbers strap to hold the boards together.  All for the base for the structure. I used 2 by 2's for the frame and 1/4" ply wood for the sides and top.  I also Used 1- 2 by 4 for the mid section: then attached four hinges to one of the roof sides while screwing the other one down. I should also note that I used the Kreg Driver set that I purchased for the chicken tractor to make the whole floating fortress weigh less in needed hardware.  

The only thing I currently regret is the fact that I should have thought of the wind and included a latching system to the side that could actually lift. As of now, in high winds the roof flies up and makes the whole contraption float awkwardly. 

Which brings up concern which is will this thing float with duck in it.... Keep following for updates.