Don't know whether to do chickens or ducks! HELP!

[sadi5678]

Hi I am doing a science project on incubating and hatching eggs. I was going to do chickens, but I am not sure that I would be able to keep all of them because I live in an area with very close neighbors and I hear they are very noisy and messy. Now I am thinking maybe I should do ducks because I hear they are quieter but I would still probably not be able to keep all of them and I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

 

[bugglesmommy]

Ducks are waaay messier than chickens. Chickens will make some noise, especially roosters and hens have an 'egg song" when they lay, but nothing really severe. I would suggest rehoming any roosters before they get to crowing age.

Have you considered quail? Coturnix quail roosters are quieter than chicken roosters, and the hens make very little, not loud noise. They require considerably less space to keep them and are actually fairly easy to hatch.

 

[Alaskan]

I second quail.

 

[sadi5678]

How's the temperament and noise level?

 

[Kevin565]

Drakes are quiet but female ducks can be quite loud. I've never personally kept quail but they might be a good alternative for you.