Consolidating flock in winter?

[nao57]

So I wondered if you guys merge your divided flocks into one, during winter?

Let me explain...

Normally it would be good to keep the chickens and ducks separate, and the ducklings separate from the ducks.

But in winter its going to be cold and icy, and snowy. So it may be that they'd have an advantage with more bodies close together for warmth. Plus, it seems like that its not energy efficient and a pain to have a separate heater at night in a small coop for chickens, and then another one for ducks, and so on. Plus, by then my ducklings would be full grown. (But maybe I wouldn't even have ducklings, or at least not have them outside during that time.)

And I wonder if their competition and enmity is curbed more when they are trying to keep warm?

Could this work, for winter conservation and management?

We have an older house also, which means I have to be more careful about using extra outlets also that might be needed for other things. Plus, trying to save money on electricity when times aren't going well economically in our area.

What do you think about this?

 

[Flockincrazy]

Where are you i have both my flocks together all yr round they don't bother each other oh and 3bunnies are in there too

 

[aart]

So I wondered if you guys merge your divided flocks into one, during winter?

I plan my hatching and slaughtering to get numbers down to where they need to be for winter.
I only have chickens, but if I did keep ducks I would have a separate coop and run for them.

So it may be that they'd have an advantage with more bodies close together for warmth.

Nope, that's not how chicken and ducks stay warm.
Their feathers keep their bodies warm and the coop needs good ventilation all year around,
so adding heat is moot, except to keep waterers thawed.

But in winter its going to be cold and icy, and snowy.

Have you built your coops and runs yet?
Pics would help immensely here.
Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!