Can Chickens and Ducks Cohabitate?

[thechickenflock]

Can Chickens and Ducks Cohabitate? What are the consequences of doing so? and thirdly on a more unrelated note, I have a pool, will the ducks swim in the pool or would they be scared off by the sent of chemicals? If they would swim in the pool is there any way of preventing them from doing so?

Thanks, The New Guy.

 

[donrae]

I've kept duck in with my layers on and off over the years. I've not had any problems, but...

You have to have lots of space. Drakes can be pretty sexually aggressive and can go after hens. Hens need enough space to avoid them and/or outrun them.

Ducks keep things wet. This can be a mud issue, and a health issue for your chickens depending on your soil. Cocci loves moist soil to grow in.


About the pool---I do believe the ducks will hop right in. You'll have to have a fence for the pool and non-flying ducks, or a run for the ducks, or something. I'm pretty tolerant with my animals, but I'm not swimming in a pool with duck poop