Chickens + Ducks =??

[Runt of the Flock]

If i were to have a duck mixed with my free range chicken flock, would it be ok? Does it need to be more than one duck? Also, do they need swim water during the winter when i keep them inside? Should they be inside with the chickens during the winter?

 

[CayugaJana]

I’m sure it would be ok however they are a lot happier with a playmate. They are social animals so they may be lonesome if there is just one. Do you have a specific duck in mind? A male or female? As I’m sure you already know with your chickens, males will be more troublesome as they can injure chickens if they try to mate.

Ducks are more hardy than chickens when it comes to winter. They will play in water that has ice in it! They mainly need to be out of the wind in winter. A pool isn’t a necessity but they would love you for it. Just have some buckets of water around if you can’t get a pool.

Some people find mixing the two to cause problems while other BYCers have had none. So Id say to try it out and have a back up plan if you run into problems.

 

[Epogee]

I have two runner ducks, nine chickens and two peacocks. They all sleep in the same shed overnight, and generally get on ok with each other. The runner ducks are so good-natured. I never see them pecking at the chickens, and nothing seems to get them down. Peacocks are a bit flighty and like to be fed separately, but the runner ducks and chickens all feed together.

 

[Runt of the Flock]

I’m sure it would be ok however they are a lot happier with a playmate. They are social animals so they may be lonesome if there is just one. Do you have a specific duck in mind? A male or female? As I’m sure you already know with your chickens, males will be more troublesome as they can injure chickens if they try to mate.

Ducks are more hardy than chickens when it comes to winter. They will play in water that has ice in it! They mainly need to be out of the wind in winter. A pool isn’t a necessity but they would love you for it. Just have some buckets of water around if you can’t get a pool.

Some people find mixing the two to cause problems while other BYCers have had none. So Id say to try it out and have a back up plan if you run into problems.

i was thinking female and one or two just for starters.

 

[chickens really]

I never advise people to house the two species together..That will be your choice though to try it. Have a Plab B and Ducks need other Ducks.

 

[Reiki Rooster]

My male pekin duck was by himself for a bit with my chickens, then he started to mate with my hens, my rooster was losing his mind. So I got 2 female muscovy ducks, 1 female he was too aggressive in his mating and it was hurting her. 2 is just right for him.

They have a pond in the summer but winter when it's too cold to keep unfrozen I take it away and keep a manageable water container out there so I can change the water easily 2 times a day when it freezes or gets dirty.

My ducks now have their own night time pen ( free range during the day ) but they lived in the same pen with my chickens for about 3 years fine. Well, other than the time my pekin didn't have a lady friend. I prefer to keep them separated for cleanliness, water needs are different, eating styles are different. It just made my life easier and their lives so much better to be in their own areas. It just took time and money to make it happen, but they did live fine together and I do have a rooster. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[Reiki Rooster]

Oh I should add, they are a social creatures, if you have a female I still strongly suggest getting just 1 more female. The duck won't bond with a chicken, but it will with another duck, once you see this you will know exactly what I mean. You don't have to breed them, and the eggs are out of this world.

 

[Amer]

My chickens and ducks do fine together, though they are not quite integrated per se. The little Call ducks run around in their little group of four, snapping at any chicken who gets close, but not chasing or endangering or scaring the chickens in anyway. The ducks and chickens realize if they live their own lives in the same living space it will be fine. The ducks prefer having a playmate. Or at least the drake. When his hen disappeared, he (Everest) kept crying. When we bought new hens, he was instantly happy.

 

[MattCopeland]

I have a male khaki Campbell duck and he is the peacekeeper for my flock of almost 30 chickens. Anytime my roosters try to fight he always chases them off. I've never had a problem with him trying to mate one of my hens. They have been in the same run almost a year.

 

[Amer]

I have a male khaki Campbell duck and he is the peacekeeper for my flock of almost 30 chickens. Anytime my roosters try to fight he always chases them off. I've never had a problem with him trying to mate one of my hens. They have been in the same run almost a year.

That's good to hear!