Brand New!

[Bexxil]

I do believe I have lurked in the shadows for long enough! I decided I needed to become official I love how knowledgeable everyone here is and I have already picked up some great tips and information.
I have only very recently started my backyard chicken adventure. We are currently about 9 weeks in and I am just head over heels for my peeps! We currently have 6 chickens and a duck. I have absolutely no idea what breed any of my 7 are so we are in for some surprises.


I look forward to all that I have to learn here.
Thank you in advance!

 

[drumstick diva]

I think your duck believes it is a chicken. That's great unless it turns out to be a drake. Male ducks will try to breed chickens, especially if there are no ducks around. Their anatomy is much different than chickens - so they can damage or even kill chickens trying to breed them.

From what I can make out in the photo your white chickens seem to all be one breed. Nice run. My only concern is the chicken(poultry) wire, It keeps chickens in but, does NOT keep predators out. For that you need 1/2" hardware cloth to either replace your wire, or to add as a second layer of defense. If hardware cloth is securely adhered to a solid frame it does much to keep a flock safe. It costs more, because it works, and it lasts much longer than flimsy chicken wire.

If we could see individual photos of the hens - facing forward, to show any comb development and in a side view standing, to check for other gender related features - we probably can tell you what breed you have etc. All we know now is they are white. How old are they in the photo. I think your duck is a Pekin, like the Aflac duck on TV.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided join our flock. A lot of us were lurkers before joining. ) I'm a chicken person, but I have to admit that ducklings are the ultimate in cute. If your chicks have yellow legs, they are either White Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns. If their earlobes turn red, they are White Rocks. If their earlobes turn white, they are White Leghorns. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your flock.

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us. They are easy to love.

Do take drumstick diva's advice on predator proofing your coop/run. Too many folks lose their flocks to chicken wire.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[Bexxil]

@drumstick divaI appreciate the input on my run! I will definitely start improving it.
I have been worried that my duck is male and I'm afraid my fears might be true. It has a soft,raspy quack which is a sign of a male if I am not mistaken?
Not sure how to rectify this situation without having to give him away. I've gotten very soft and attached but I don't want to risk injury or worse to my girls. I can only find unsexed ducklings here. Should I risk it?