Chickens and other birds??

[mhegge]

A friend asked me if I would be interested in some "turkey ducks", an apparent cross. Now, she isn't very animal knowledgeable as her hubby does all the animal stuff, so is she talking about muscovy ducks?? If so, can I have them and house them with my chickens? I have 5 hens and a rooster and they are only cooped at night, otherwise they free range. We have 3 acres and a nice pond with fish and frogs amd I'm not worried about space, but rather, would the 2 birds be ok together and does anyone know what a "turkey duck" is??
Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Generally ducks don't coop well with chickens; separate digs are best. Ducks need deep water dishes, and make a wet mess around them. Chickens don't do well in wet bedding. Drakes can severely injure hens if they try to mate with them, also not good. Many people have both chickens and ducks and enjoy both, so there's no reason not to have them, as long as everyone's needs are met. Mary

 

[mhegge]

So just having separate coops would be enough then? They could free range together?

 

[aart]

So just having separate coops would be enough then? They could free range together?

Probably.
I'd find out exactly what kind of ducks they are and do some due diligence by researching their housing and feed needs.