Chickens or ducks for small, urban backyard in MN? (Just 2 in either case per city regulations) What’s your take?

[DucksPlz]

Leave thoughts, opinions, or advice here!

 

[sourland]

3 is better than 2. That when one dies (and it will happen) two remain as company for one another.

 

[Pigeony]

2 is the limit? I suggest 3 personally, as both ducks and chickens are very social. If one of the two dies for any reason or just from inevitable old age, then you're left with one incredibly lonely bird who won't do well alone. With 3, it's unlikely you lose more than one at a time unless it was from predators or infectious disease. And as far as ducks vs. chickens, I prefer chickens. Ducks are just too messy and smelly for my taste, and I'm not really a fan of their eggs, either.

 

[SilverBirds]

Whichever you decide to go with, I'd at least go with a trio. If something happens to one of them, you don't want to be left with a lone bird and have to scramble to find a new friend. Most places have a 3-chick minimum as well.

What are your goals for keeping poultry? Are you looking for layers, friendly pets, or something else? Do you have concerns with noise levels? Will you be free ranging?

 

[Susan Skylark]

How about a dozen quail? Seriously though, I would love call ducks, so cute but apparently very loud, and all ducks are messy, think Labrador retriever and having to swim in every puddle and even their water bowl, but it isn’t housebroken so you have wet, stinky poop all over all the time, I had a hard enough time with basic rabbit water bottles, can’t imagine a duck! I switched to nipple waterers and life is much better. The neighbors will thank you! Definitely sixth the trio thing, a lonely bird isn’t happy.

 

[LaFleche]

For starters six or seven quail would be the right and very neighbour friendly thing in an urban setting.