Can ducks live with chickens?

[silis]

Oh my, I have not posted anything in a long time! So a lot has happened in the past few months. My family moved and we now have about 4 acres. I am sooo excited!!! There is a creek that runs through our yard and I love walking in it. Ok now lets get to the question. I would like to get more chickens ( we got rid of our old ones because we had no where to put them) and some ducks. Can they live together if I get them as chicks and ducklings? I have heard that you can but you have to be careful because the chickens will try to go swimming.

 

[Alexandra33]

Congratulations on your property, it sounds gorgeous!

In response to your question, I'm going to say yes and no. If you get them as chicks and ducklings, I would NEVER raise them in the same brooder together. From my experience, not only do ducklings grow at a much faster rate than chicks, but ducklings create a water mess in their brooder that probably wouldn't be considered healthy for the fluffy, downy chicks. Also, ducklings flick their heads after drinking and spray water everywhere, so their poor little chick "siblings" could end up drenched and cold. But, when it comes to housing both types of poultry together after they are matured, it's absolutely possible. I have 29 chickens and 9 ducks, all of whom inhabit the same space; all is well and peaceful. You may be wondering how they get along if their aren't raised simultaneously, but from my experience, they do. Actually, we have had 4 separate broods of chicks and 2 broods of ducks, and everybody has eventually learned to live in harmony. They are even of all ages, too. Just be ready for a little extra untidiness in the coop from the ducks, since they are true to their name and LOVE water. You know what, though? It's all worth it; poultry is so rewarding and entertaining.

-Alex

 

[drjulian]

My pekins were over a year old when I introduced 6 chickens to the run. I did it slowly (kept them separate but in the coop for 2 weeks). When the chickens were released the ducks definitely established their dominance (chasing the chickens from the food when they (the ducks) wanted to eat, however there were no dangerous incidents.

It is now a year and 1/2 later and they get along as much as is necessary, In the run they stay away from each other but no real fights. When given treats they will compete but in the end everyone gets a share. At night they are all in the coop together and the chickens will roost on the high perches while the ducks keep control of the ground.

Although there are 12 nesting boxes, they all choose to lay in the same nest or two and the only problem we have had is the chickens will sometimes break the duck eggs and eat the yoke.

So, the answer to your question is 'yes' and the only thing I would have done differently would have been to find a way to segregate the nesting area, forcing the chickens to lay in their own area so the chickens and ducks do not lay in the same nest.

Because of the egg problem I am considering putting another small coop in the run so the chickens and ducks sleep separately to force them to lay in different nests. but they certainly can coexist together in the same place.

 

[vegaslilqt]

I rescued a rooster & hen from our animal shelter (who knew they could wind up there?) I've blended them with my 4 "alleged" Pekins and so far it's been a pretty peaceful existence. I did learn the hard way about keeping new chicks, we had our first baby chicken fall into the pond & drowned.

After that we raised the pond so only the fliers could get to it.

 

[vegaslilqt]

I rescued a rooster & hen from our animal shelter (who knew they could wind up there?) I've blended them with my 4 "alleged" Pekins and so far it's been a pretty peaceful existence. I did learn the hard way about keeping new chicks, we had our first baby chicken fall into the pond & drowned.

After that we raised the pond so only the fliers could get to it.