{"id":11166,"date":"2017-03-31T13:19:21","date_gmt":"2017-03-31T03:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=11166"},"modified":"2024-08-13T09:13:32","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T23:13:32","slug":"cable-spool-duck-house-tutorial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/2017\/03\/31\/cable-spool-duck-house-tutorial\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheap Duck House From a Wooden Spool: 7-Step Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2022\/09\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Main-Image-696x418-1-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2022\/09\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Main-Image-696x418-1-1024x616.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36288\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ve had cat castles, stylish crates for dogs, even houses for chooks, and now we have one for ducks too! Do you want&nbsp;a large and spacious house&nbsp;for your ducks? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then this cable spool duck house just might be the one you are looking for! It&#8217;s a large pet shelter that&#8217;s very straightforward and you can build it without help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2022\/09\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-1-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2022\/09\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-1-1024x755.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36290\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This cable spool <strong>duck house<\/strong> is inexpensive if you have access to old and unused cable spools. Aside from the spool, you will also need a number of timber slats which you can have for free or at a very low price by choosing&nbsp;reclaimed timber or old pallets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, this cable spool house can also be for other types of pets. You can use it as a chicken coop or an outdoor shed for your cat or dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is this going to be your next project?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.&nbsp;<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-smiley td-animation-stack-type0-2 td-animation-stack-type0-1\" src=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/wp-includes\/images\/smilies\/icon_cool.gif\" alt=\"8-)\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11167\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-03.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-03.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-03-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11168\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-04.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-04.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-04-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11169\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-05.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-05.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-05-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11170\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-06.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11170\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-06.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-Finished-Product-06-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11171\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"11172\" src=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-2.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-with-Storage-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building a Duck House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wood (reclaimed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Galvanized Drywall screws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Filler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Varnish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Door Hardware (Hinges, Handle, Latch)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Circular Saw<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jigsaw<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cordless Drill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hole Saw Drill Bit (two sizes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chisel (or Screwdriver)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vise Grips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Socket Wrench<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sander<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paint Brush<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-1-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disassemble spool:<\/strong>&nbsp;Having never played with them before, I was pleasantly surprised at the elegance of the engineering of these spools: an enormously heavy and rugged apparatus held together by only six bolts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Granted, these are bolts to be reckoned with: 32&#8243; long, steel. They sit spaced between fourteen curved slats an inch and a half thick and about six inches wide, all resting in a recessed slot routed into each of the round sides of the spool, to define the inner &#8220;barrel.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-2.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-2-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So all you need to do to take the spool apart is remove the bolts. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it may very well be, if your spool didn&#8217;t have too rough a life before it found its way to you. In that case, all you have to do is sit the spool on its &#8220;wheels,&#8221; render either the nut or the bolt head stationary with some vice grips or a wrench (and perhaps a friend to wield it, unless you have an enormous wingspan), and loosen from the other end with your socket wrench. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The slats will slide out and fall as the bolts loosen. Then all you have to worry about is crushing your toes or fingers or skull or fine china or small pets when the last bolt gives way and the heavy round chunks succumb to gravity. But if only a little rust is present, plan on using a great deal more profanity and other rust-battling measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"659\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-3.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-3-300x282.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Make new bolt holes<\/strong>:&nbsp;At each end of the bolts, there&#8217;s a &#8220;top hat&#8221; washer (but a curved one&#8230; perhaps more of a &#8220;derby?&#8221;) about two inches across, nestled in a deep recess. For this duck house design, we need to move the bolts from the inner slot to the outer edge, which means we need new holes for our washers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-4.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-4-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I figured out where to drill by drawing lines from the center point of the round, across an existing bolt hole, and out near the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-5.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-5-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I cut a shallow hole using a 2&#8243; hole saw, then a deeper one with the same center point using a 1-1\/2&#8243; hole saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-7.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-7.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-7-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wood between the hole saw cuts were easily chiseled away (I used a screwdriver, not a chisel &#8211; don&#8217;t tell, okay?) until the washer had a comfortable place to sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continued Page 2&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-9.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-9.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-9-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the recess was roughly shaped to the contours of the washer, I drilled the hole for the bolt itself. Note: It&#8217;s important to do this <em>after <\/em>you use the hole saw bits, because a hole saw needs wood to &#8220;bite,&#8221; and would slip around dangerously if you were to drill the bolt hole first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I repeated this for all six bolts on both sides of the spool, for a total of twelve new holes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-001.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-001.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-001-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Loosely assemble:&nbsp;<\/strong>At this point, I replaced a couple of slats and loosely fit all of the bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What I discovered was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, my measurements weren&#8217;t perfect, so some of the bolts were a tiny bit misaligned. Not a big deal &#8211; that&#8217;s why they invented hammers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Second, the bolts were, in fact, long enough to work even when not sitting in slots. See, in moving the slats to the outside, I was increasing the overall height by about an inch, because I didn&#8217;t route out slots for them in their new positions out at the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luckily there&#8217;s enough play in the threading and length of the bolts that I didn&#8217;t need to route a slot to make it all fit, but that might be worth doing if you have the tools and the inclination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Careful not to smash my toes or fingers or skull or fine china or small pets, and happy that I wouldn&#8217;t have to go back and deepen all of the bolt hole recesses, I dropped the cumbersome assembly down onto its &#8220;bottom&#8221; for the next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-5.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-5-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Add the boards:<\/strong>&nbsp;I placed the original &#8220;load-bearing&#8221; boards in groups near the big bolts. When tightened, the bolts &#8220;pinch&#8221; the boards for a nice strong joint. A few screws keep the boards in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-6.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-6-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Various (mostly 1&#8243;x4&#8243;) slats harvested from palettes filled in the remaining gaps of the duck house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"670\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-17.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-17.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spoo-Duck-House-17-300x287.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The door:<\/strong> It&nbsp;had to be big enough to comfortably reach inside the duck house for cleaning, egg stealing, and such. And I was so impressed with the sturdiness, I ended up removing a bolt and making the door of my duck house as wide as the span between the two adjacent bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-7.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-7.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-7-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-7-600x360.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I started by tracing the arc onto some boards&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-8.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-8.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-8-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and sticking them together to make an assembly reminiscent of a rocking horse that rocked rather well and made me kind of want to make a rocking horse. But I didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-09.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-09.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-09-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I temporarily hung the rocking-horse-looking frame into place, accidentally putting the hinge on the right side when I meant to make the door open the other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-10.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-10.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-10-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I took it off and added more slats, so that it started to look like a medieval shield of some kind, and made me kind of want to make a medieval shield. But I didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In retrospect, I should not have maintained a nice arc; I should have flattened the arc where each slat touches it. That would have made attaching them much easier. You really should do that if you make one of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hung the door of the duck house and added a handle and a latch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-11.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-11.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-11-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fill and paint:<\/strong>&nbsp;The sides of the duck house got a quick sanding and an even quicker coat of varnish. I filled the big internal gaps, painted the inside brown and the top green, and carved out a duck-sized entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since this duck house will be placed in a large aviary-like enclosure safe from raccoons and other predatory beasties, and since ducks don&#8217;t just sleep all night like chickens, the duck entrance didn&#8217;t need a door. So it didn&#8217;t get one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-12.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-12.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Step-12-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The duck house did get a ramp, though &#8211; made from palette wood, and just sort of parked up against the duck door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" src=\"http:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Final-Image.jpg\" alt=\"Cable Spool Duck House\" class=\"wp-image-11190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Final-Image.jpg 700w, https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/project\/files\/2017\/03\/Cable-Spool-Duck-House-Final-Image-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And that&#8217;s it!&nbsp;The ducks love the duck house, and so does the occasional cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to <u><a data-lasso-id=\"1045\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instructables.com\/member\/mikecraghead\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mcraghead<\/a><\/u> for this great duck house project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enhancing the Duck House with Accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Creating a duck house from a wooden cable spool is an innovative and cost-effective way to provide shelter for your feathered friends. While the basic structure serves its primary function, adding a few accessories can significantly enhance the comfort and utility of the duck house. Here are some accessories to consider that can make the duck house more functional and enjoyable for your ducks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nesting Boxes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ducks need a comfortable and secure place to lay their eggs. Adding nesting boxes inside the duck house provides them with a private and cozy spot. These boxes can be made from simple materials like leftover wood or even sturdy baskets. Ensure they are filled with soft bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to keep the eggs safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Water Features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given ducks are aquatic animals, adding water elements next to the duck house will significantly enhance their quality of life. They can drink, wash, and play from a shallow water dish or a tiny pond built from a repurposed tub. Make sure the water is clean and easily available; if the sides are steep, think about building a ramp to avoid any catastrophes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Decorative Elements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding a few decorative accents will help you turn the duck home into a lovely focus point in your yard. Think of bright, non-toxic colors for the duck home or add whimsical accents like garden signs or wind chimes. These little details can make the building not only a refuge for your ducks but also a great accent to your outdoor area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Including these things into your duck house will help you design a more cosy and useful habitat that will maintain the welfare of your ducks. Apart from providing utility, accessories improve the whole look of your duck house, which distinguishes it in your farm or garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building a duck house from a wooden cable spool is a creative and eco-friendly project that provides a safe haven for ducks while recycling materials. This approach allows for customization and the addition of various accessories to enhance the ducks&#8217; comfort and the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Overall, using a wooden cable spool for a duck house is both a practical and visually appealing solution for duck owners looking to craft a unique shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more livestock projects, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/project.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/2024\/06\/26\/predator-proof-chicken-coop\/\">predator-proof ideas<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve had cat castles, stylish crates for dogs, even houses for chooks, and now we have one for ducks too! Do you want&nbsp;a large and spacious house&nbsp;for your ducks? Then this cable spool duck house just might be the one you are looking for! It&#8217;s a large pet shelter that&#8217;s very straightforward and you can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13564,"featured_media":11191,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"Create a comfortable and safe environment for your ducks with a wooden spool. 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