Contemplating ducks, advice please.

[paddyg84]

Have 4 chickens and have recently moved to a new house in the country. Have a big garden and lots of land and a big stream running along side so thinking of ducks.

Will I need a new house? My coop is spacious enough for a couple more birds. If I get them a house of their own will they come home in evenings like hens do? Also where do they lay? Will they be able to eat and drink from the same type of feeder and drinker I use for the hens or is there a specific duck type? Oh and finally will they not just fly away?

 

[redsoxs]

Pros of ducks: lots of fun to have around, lay eggs that are great to eat, entertaining, and edible.
Cons of ducks: mud, messes, high water demand.

They will go to their coop at night if introduced to it properly. I'd advise not allowing drake ducks near chickens - they can attempt to breed and actually kill the chicken. They don't lay reliably in the same place.
They can eat and drink out of equipment that you would use for chickens.
Certain breeds aren't good flyers anyway and if you feed them and interact with them they won't fly off.
Go to the Care & Management page of the link below - it is from a duck hatchery and very informative.
Good luck to you!

http://www.metzerfarms.com/

 

[Carcajou]

X2 redsoxs.

paddyg84, If you are thinking about raising ducklings here is a good link to look at:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings

You can also go to the "Sticky" Threads for Ducks section for lots of good information.

Best of luck!