Building a Hoop Coop for Ducks with Cattle Panels

Last updated on July 16th, 2024 at 06:24 pm

Creating a hoop coop for your ducks using cattle panels is a sturdy and efficient way to provide them with a safe shelter. It is very easy, even if you do not have a lot of experience building stuff. It is an affordable alternative to other duck coop or run designs. We paid less than $300 for the whole hoop coop, which is 8 by 12 feet.

While the name is hoop coop, it can be used as a coop or as a run for your ducks, depending on your needs. What is the difference, you may ask? A coop is a safe enclosure where the ducks spend their nights, whereas the run is the enclosure that they use during the day.

Let’s walk through the process step by step, ensuring a comfortable home for your feathered friends.

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Materials Needed for the Hoop Coop:

Cattle panels (4 x 16 ft)
2×4 lumber
2×2 lumber
Chicken wire
Hardware cloth
corner brackets (optional)
Hinges
Latches
Zip ties
Tools: Wire cutters, drill, screws, staples, measuring tape

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Determine the size of your hoop coop based on the number of ducks you have and available space. You should aim for about 4 to 6 square feet of floor space per duck inside the house for the night and approximately 16 square feet of outdoor space per duck.
Choose a suitable location with good drainage and level ground for your coop.
The cattle panels are 4 x 16 ft. When you select a width of 8 ft for the coop, it will be approximately 7 ft high. Choose the number of cattle panels based on your anticipated length (two for 8 feet, 3 for 12 feet, 4 for 16 feet, etc.).

Step 2: Frame Construction

Cut the 2×4 lumber into sections to create the base and support framework for the hoop coop.
Create a rectangular base by attaching the 2x4s together with screws (or alternatively with corner brackets), forming the foundation of your coop. We made our coop 8 ft wide and 12 ft long.

Insert the cattle panels into the frame so that they will form the arch of the hoop coop.

Adding the cattle panels to the frame to build the arch of the hoop coop (front view)

**Adding the cattle panels to the frame to build the arch of the hoop coop (side view)**

Step 3: Securing the Structure and adding Door Frame

Make the hoop coop more sturdy by adding vertical frames at the front and backside.
At the front, we use them at the same time to build the frame for the door.

Adding the framing for the door. Also adds stability to the coop.

Step 4: Covering and Protection

Cover all the sides of the hoop coop with hardware cloth to provide ventilation while keeping predators out. Secure the hardware cloth to the frame using staples and to the cattle panels underneath using zip ties.
Alternatively, you can cover the roof (top part of the arch) with chicken wire instead of hardware cloth. We would not recommend using chicken wire all around because it is not predator-proof. Raccoons can easily rip it apart. Learn more about predator- proofing your enclosure or about duck predators in general in our other posts.

Adding the hardware cloth around the coop

Step 5: Door and Access Points

Frame a door with the 2x2s for the opening at one side of the hoop coop, ensuring it is large enough for easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
Cover the door frame with hardware cloth using staples;
Attach the door with hinges and add latches for security.

Step 6: Adding Finishing Touches

Walk around the hoop coop and inspect for any sharp edges or potential hazards that could harm your ducks. Trim any excess wire or lumber as needed.
Add a skirt of hardware cloth around the coop or pavers around like we did to secure it against digging predators.
We added solar-powered string lights inside so that the ducks and we have light after dark.

You can also add a tarp around the hoop during the winter months for additional protection. We used a clear, heavy-duty tarp.
We also added a reed mat to the roof to provide shade.

Our finished hoop coop with reed mats on top

Security cameras are also a good idea. We use a ring camera with a solar panel.
Fill the interior of the coop with duck bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to provide a comfortable and cozy environment for your ducks.
Place their night house inside or attach it to the backside of the hoop coop.

Clears tarp on top, and the solar panels for the camera and the string lights

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Step 7: Regular Maintenance

Regularly check the hoop coop for wear and tear, especially after inclement weather, and make any necessary repairs promptly to ensure the safety and comfort of your ducks.
Clean the coop regularly to maintain a healthy living environment for your ducks, removing soiled bedding and debris.

By following these steps, you can construct a durable and practical hoop coop for your ducks using cattle panels, providing them with a secure and comfortable home to thrive in. Happy building! 🦆🏠