chickens & ducks cohabiting?

[mumma3crazedboy]

My husband and I have a few chickens & are considering getting some ducks. We are still unsure of what kind would be best for us. We live in Maine and it can get very cold in the winter. We were also trying to figure out if they would be able to live with our chickens? We have two different sets of chickens. 1 that are older and in a different pen then our "babies" that were actually a accident. We let our bantom sit on her eggs (after we finally found her)- the rooster was a rhode island, so we really were not sure that anything would actually come of it- needless to say, we have 6 more chickens in a newly built pen in the barn. I think that 2 of the "babies" will be given away- or sent to new homes, as they are roosters and are becoming mean. So- before we decide if we are going to get into a duck-venture. I was wondering if anyone had any advice as we are the newest of new. Is it alot more difficult to raise ducklings then chicks. the difference of full grown ducks vs chickens. (we'd prefer some that do not fly.) our older chickens do roam free in the spring-fall but do get closed in during winter. We are unsure if we would let the bantoms out or just add on a outside encloser once the snow melts. Thank you in advance for any info!

 

[AlezaJ]

I had a duck living with my chickens. He was very big, a blue Swedish duck and couldn't fly. I read that most domestic ducks cant fly because they are so much bigger than wild ducks in the chest area. While I had him one of my hens got broody and only allowed him next to the nest or chicks after they hatched. I even found him sitting on the nest once.

 

[EJPedrazzi]

I have a flock of 14 chickens - polish cresteds, some black sex links, a couple barred rocks and a few other randoms. I really wanted ducks so we got a pair just after Christmas and they now live in the coop with our chickens. I've heard that you shouldn't mix 'pointed beaks with round beaks' but ours get along just fine - our female duck, Barbara, even thinks she's a chicken - she seems to bond with them and follow them all over the place!

 

[BunkyB]

Hi guys. Daring to do the combo I see. I as well raise lots of chickens and they get along well with my ducks and geese. I have never had an issue with the girls getting together for the nights. I am from Eastern Canada and as you suffer those nasty winters. Having a huge duck pond I find the ducks like to stay out during a lot of winter nights as well.
Go for the combo. Steve

 

[AlezaJ]

I hadn't heard of not mixing them. The only problem my duck ever had was being chased by my rooster. Ive got 2 more ducks now, I think Welsh harlequin females, that im planning to introduce to my flock. Only thing is, 1 had a mucous filled nose when I got her a few weeks ago and im not sure if I should put them together or not. She has been cleared up for about a week.

 

[flockman]

My husband and I have a few chickens & are considering getting some ducks. We are still unsure of what kind would be best for us. We live in Maine and it can get very cold in the winter. We were also trying to figure out if they would be able to live with our chickens? We have two different sets of chickens. 1 that are older and in a different pen then our "babies" that were actually a accident. We let our bantom sit on her eggs (after we finally found her)- the rooster was a rhode island, so we really were not sure that anything would actually come of it- needless to say, we have 6 more chickens in a newly built pen in the barn. I think that 2 of the "babies" will be given away- or sent to new homes, as they are roosters and are becoming mean. So- before we decide if we are going to get into a duck-venture. I was wondering if anyone had any advice as we are the newest of new. Is it alot more difficult to raise ducklings then chicks. the difference of full grown ducks vs chickens. (we'd prefer some that do not fly.) our older chickens do roam free in the spring-fall but do get closed in during winter. We are unsure if we would let the bantoms out or just add on a outside encloser once the snow melts. Thank you in advance for any info!

If you have ducks and chickens together you could have no problem. Where you may have trouble is if you have a drake(male duck). Drakes that try to mate a hen(female chicken) could kill them due to anatomical differences. My ducks and chickens were raised separately so they do not like each other that much. They tolerate each other. I did not raise them together to prevent the drake trying to breed a hen. Domestic ducks other than muscovy don't usually fly except call ducks and domestic mallards. I have pekins. The most they can do is to try and run and flap. They don't get more than an inch off of the ground for about a foot. That is with wind to help them. Very funny to watch.

I have had bantams out without a problem for spring and summer except when once the leaves fall off the trees hawks pick off my silkies. I may try them again sometime. The silkies just can't see the hawk coming. I like having ducks and chickens as they are so different. Beware of chickens. Another BYC member posted that they are a gateway animal/drug. I completely agree. I started with chickens and now have chickens, ducks and geese. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Buxton Ducks]

My drakes and roosters fight every once and a while, but so do drakes and drakes! I have found that chickens and duck co-habitate nicer than any other mixed species farmyard. I have tried ducks/turkeys, geese/ducks, chickens/peafowl, turkeys/peafowl and that has all failed. Chickens and ducks are doing great however!

 

[mumma3crazedboy]

After alot of researching, we may hold off on ducks.. they look a little scary!

 

[Davlyn]

This all is good to know about chickens & ducks. I have 30 chickens left ( weasel ) 4 are Roosters & I am thinking about getting some crested Indian runner ducks. ( hubby thinks not ) so I am looking for info about that. This is good to read.
I did plan on a hatchery order, but the chicks I also want won't come til a later date & my local Agway can get the ducks, but also the chicks will come on a different date, was hoping to have both chicks & ducklings raised together from the get go.

 

[chickery-do]

I'm a 1/2 away from Sunday River approx. and my Ducks will be living outside. They are hardier than chicken's. On cold days when the heat lamp turns on they stay in mostly. Unless they hear the house door opens

They hope it's food coming! Our heat lamp in on a thermostatic outlet that turns on when it is below 35degrees and off at 45. Their spoiled Americana's cuz their coop is totally insulated. Even the clean out tray is secure from the cold. Good for those cold nights or even days that are just to cold to even bother letting them out. I know they wont come out. I hope this helps.