1 day old ducklings and chicks in brooder together?

[VeggieMinette]

Hi all,

I've been a crazy chicken lady for over a year now and am completely addicted! I've decided to add 2 Welsh Harlequins and they arrive as day old ducklings this Tuesday. I have Blue Laced Red Wyandotte eggs in the incubator and they will hatch tomorrow. Long story short, the ducklings and chicks are the same age.

Is it okay to raise them together in the same brooder from the get go? I'd like to have them become their own "Flock" before introducing them to my existing flock of hens at a much later date.

Thank you!

Minette

 

[DoubletakeFarm]

I've raised ducks and chicks together before and it worked out just fine. They actually bond as brooder mates. The only problem I had is how messy the ducks are with the water, they tend to get the chicks wet. The bigger your brooder is, the better. Don't forget that ducks need water deep enough to clean their bills out. Here's a video from last year, see if you can spot the two chicks. (The water tray doesn't stay in the brooder. I put it in to let them have a swim then take it out when they're done.)

 

[VeggieMinette]

I've raised ducks and chicks together before and it worked out just fine. They actually bond as brooder mates. The only problem I had is how messy the ducks are with the water, they tend to get the chicks wet. The bigger your brooder is, the better. Don't forget that ducks need water deep enough to clean their bills out. Here's a video from last year, see if you can spot the two chicks. (The water tray doesn't stay in the brooder. I put it in to let them have a swim then take it out when they're done.)

Oh my goodness! They are too cute. Thank you for this info! I appreciate the help!

 

[lomine]

You'll also want to be careful of the size difference as they grow. I've heard that ducks grow much faster than chickens.

 

[VeggieMinette]

You'll also want to be careful of the size difference as they grow. I've heard that ducks grow much faster than chickens.

Thank you! I plan on brooding them with the baby chicks but ell put them with the hens as soon as they can hold their own.