Coexisting chickens, guineas, ducks, and also Hi

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MikIshman

MikIshman

Hatching
Jul 24, 2015
2
6
7
Pennsylvania
Hello,
I decided to join BackYard Chickens because I love the information that I find on this site. I also have a new question that my current chicken community has not been able to answer for me, so I thought I'd extend it to others here.

I have owned Aracauna chickens for 3 years now, and just started raising guineas this year. I never knew how much I would love birds! I keep chickens solely for eggs, and I have free ranged my girls since they were chicks. I currently have 9 hens, 1 rooster, and 5 guineas, of which I keep for pest control. All of my birds roost in a large coop that I lock at night (due to a raccoon/possum problem). They all coexist well, and I feed them separate foods but am not able to make sure that they eat the correct feed. They also free range and have a source of fresh water as well as water in their coop.

I have been thinking about getting some ducks. There is a creek in my backyard that runs into a larger river, and a small tributary runs behind my coop, where my chickens go sometimes to drink fresh water. I am wondering if I were to get ducks, would they return home to the coop, or would they follow the water and find somewhere else to live? My guineas are young and so far have always returned to the coop, but I know its possible for them to someday begin roosting in trees. My coop has alot of room, but I don't plan to get more than 4 ducks to ensure that there is enough space for everything. I do not want to get ducks if it would not be a good fit, but I think I would really enjoy it!

I'd really appreciate any feedback/experience from anyone at all!
Thanks!
Mik.
 
Welcome to BYC! So glad you could join us!


Sounds like you have an amazing flock!

Ducks do like to stay where there is food, but they aren't great at returning to the roost, they often have to be herded back to their coop. A lot of people have ducks that stay in the creek and I haven't heard problems about them leaving.

Best of luck!
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I have 2 Pekin with 16 chickens. They exist well together, just be prepared for a mess in the coop. I went to a nipple waterer to keep the ducks from making a mess. With any duck they must have water to muddle in and clean their sinus cavaties, I leave that in the run. Ducks are great comic relief as well.
 
Ducks and chickens can get along and anyone that has a creek would get such a kick out of watching their antics. However, you are right, it may carry them away to new and dangerous territory.

If you hatch the duck eggs you can get the ducklings to imprint on you and they would be less apt to leave home. If you only have one duck and it imprints on you, it will think it's a human and will love you and follow you around forever. If you get a flock of ducks and get them to imprint on you, they will also imprint on their siblings. As long as you provide good food, lodging and water, lol, they will want to hang around.

As far as lodging goes, ducks don't roost so you want to give them an area that doesn't have any chickens right above them.
 
Hi, welcome to BYC!

I've never had ducks but sure enjoy reading about them. You've received some good answers to your question, I hope it all works out for you.

Nice to have you here!
 

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