Ducklings and chickens

[biamigueis]

Recently i bought 3 ducklings along with some baby chicks to introduce to my 2 adult chickens. Now about 2-3 weeks old the ducklings are about the size I introduced my chicks to chickens the last time. Would it be ok to introduce them now or when should do that? when they are waterproof ill put them by the pond but until then I would like to keep them outside in the chicken run since the ducks are jumping out of their pen and making a mess of it every 5 min. What do you think?

Thanks

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

i would not introduce them to adult chickens yet...chickens have sharp beaks, and the duckling have no way to defend themselves until they are adults. You could maybe build them a little separate area in the coop for them if they are too big for your brooder. Even the nicest chickens can kill small birds, and ducks don't have the sharp beaks like chickens. once they are adults my ducks have learned how to grab a feather and twist to make the chickens fear them lol

 

[ChiknNuggets]

Not sure about chickens but my ducks and quail are fine together.

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

Not sure about chickens but my ducks and quail are fine together.

yeah, my ducks and quail get along, but word of warning...chickens and quail are a BAD mix...my birds are free range and have as much food as they want, but yesterday a quail escaped from his pen into the chicken coop, and all i found were its wings and skeleton...the chickens had picked it clean. lol, that might have been a bit gruesome

 

[bradleyscott]

It is hard to believe how messy those little ducklings are isn't it? Mine are about 100 times worse than chicks, can't keep the brooder clean and they splash out a gallon of water in about an hour. Lol

 

[Ozarkhomesteader]

It is hard to believe how messy those little ducklings are isn't it? Mine are about 100 times worse than chicks, can't keep the brooder clean and they splash out a gallon of water in about an hour. Lol

ikr!! it's crazy...i am always cleaning the brooder (and the duck coop, lol)...they are overly adorable though

 

[Animal Lover123]

Hello I am New to BYC. I was wandering would chickens and ducks get along when they are older because I have 2ducklings and 9baby chicks together right bow but I am not sure when to separate them????? Thanx LOL

 

[Amykins]

Hello I am New to BYC. I was wandering would chickens and ducks get along when they are older because I have 2ducklings and 9baby chicks together right bow but I am not sure when to separate them????? Thanx LOL

It really depends on the birds, to be honest. Some people here say their chickens and ducks get along great, some say they're more volatile than mixing water and potassium!

Generally you should not introduce ducks to chickens until they're big enough to fend for themselves. Conversely, if you have muscovies or another giant breed, it's the chickens who could be in trouble!

 

[Animal Lover123]

Ok thanks is it okay to put them together while they are little I am also not sure about what kind they are either??:-D

 

[lizyusczyk]

I am looking at buying a few chicks and ducklings. Is it safe to have them together, if I purchase them at the same age and time?