Considering adding a duck to my flock

[BreezyBre]

I'm considering adding a duck to my flock and I'm wondering since all my chickens are vaccinated for Marek's I'm curious do ducks get that as well ? Should I do a quarantine for any new bird no matter the breed before putting any other type of bird breed with my chickens ? Wondering what the protocol there is ...thanks

 

[PirateGirl]

Do you have other ducks?
One duck with a bunch of chickens is not a good idea for numerous reasons. They are not the same species, they do not speak the same language, they will not be friends and flock together, they have different housing requirements, they have different sexual organs, etc.

Also quarantine is a good idea. There is certainly the possibility of disease/parasite transmission.

Also you will have to go very slow with integration and be prepared for the fact that they may never be able to live together.

 

[PirateGirl]

I don't want to be negative.

I have ducks and chickens both and I love my ducks, possibly more than my chickens. They are just quite different. If you want ducks, go for it, but get at least two (or more depending on your male/female ratio) and be ready with housing and a run especially for them. Ducks are loads of fun, but ducks and chickens do not necessarily have fun together in the same run/coop.

 

[BreezyBre]

Ok that info is def different than what I read off Google so that gives me.more to consider ,very good to know . I love this place always good advice

 

[MinniesMomma]

I have one duck and 30 chickens that were raised together. I introduced a new duck to the group after my duck's buddy was killed. They went through an integration process like you would do with new chickens and there were some squabbles at first but everybody gets along fine now. However, ducks do like water and they make that part of the coop very wet. In the future I will definitely be adding a small duck only run for them to sleep in at night and have their pool.

 

[PirateGirl]

There are some people that successfully have mixed flocks. I see it as something that has a better chance of working if you have lots of space and free range time. Ducks are social and like to be around other ducks! Male ducks can be very amorous and can hurt chickens and even sometimes need to be separated from female ducks during breeding season. Personally I know my chickens pick on the one chicken that looks the most different and I have no doubt that they would pick on a duck All birds have different personalities. Some are more accepting than others. Just be prepared with a plan B if they don't all get along.

 

[lomine]

I have a mixed flock of chickens and ducks. So far I haven't had any major issues but I think it has a lot to do with my set-up/flock management. The entire flock has access to about 3 acres to free range from sun-up to sun-down. The coop is large enough for everyone (though I'll be culling many extra boys before winter to ensure plenty of space during cold weather) and there are a lot of roosts and sight blockers that allow for them to get away from each other if needed. Moisture from the ducks is an issue you'll need to plan for.

The only ducks that really 'socialize' with the chickens are a par of Cayuga hens that were actually brooded with chicks. Now that they are older they mostly just hang out with each other. The only time my ducks and chickens are really together is when I'm giving treats (or they think I'm about to give treats). They coexist in the same space but they aren't bonded.

I would also agree that you would need at least two, preferably three in case something happens to one (you don't want to have to scramble to find a friend for a lonely duck). If you get grown ducks you would want to quarantine them. Ducks are less susceptible to pests and illness but they can still be carriers. If you get ducklings you don't need to worry about quarantine.

 

[BreezyBre]

Okay this is all good info I appreciate the answers ,little more than what Google gave me . If I decide to go ducks I will def a get a few so they have their own little flock as I do have the space but not exactly the time to manage it at the moment so I will put this on the back burner for the moment . Thank you everyone good honest info

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Okay this is all good info I appreciate the answers ,little more than what Google gave me . If I decide to go ducks I will def a get a few so they have their own little flock as I do have the space but not exactly the time to manage it at the moment so I will put this on the back burner for the moment . Thank you everyone good honest info

You will enjoy them if you decide to revisit the idea some day.
One more thing, ducks have slightly different dietary needs than chickens so if you do decide to get ducks be sure to check into what kinds of feed is available in your area such as an all flock feed that can be fed to both.