Ducks and chickens sharing run, but different housing.

[Soon2BChixMom]

If you have ducks and chickens who share living spaces, can I see pics?
How much run space does each species need?
I have a 16' x 16' run space allotted for my 4 chickens and 4 ducks which is 256 sq ft.
The chicken coop is raised up, so they can use all of the space under it. It is 4.5x3.5.
The duck house is going to be a modified playhouse. I could potentially build it up off of the ground as well. Wasn't planning on it, but now that my other plan was nixed, it might be the best option to give more run room. It is 3.9x4.4 (outer dimensions).
I can put modifications up on the inside of the run to keep both species separated as well. My thinking if I do this is to give the ducks a bit more room than the chickens?
Also, if your ducks have a run, do you give them free time outside of the run while you are out supervising?

 

[BirdLeaf]

My chickens geese and ducks all share one small run, but they free range 24/7 and only come in to sleep. I would advise against raising the duck coop because ducks aren’t fans of climbing generally. Ideally the birds will have 3-5 square feet per bird in the run, and 2-3 in the coop not including roost space. Hope this helps!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

My chickens geese and ducks all share one small run, but they free range 24/7 and only come in to sleep. I would advise against raising the duck coop because ducks aren’t fans of climbing generally. Ideally the birds will have 3-5 square feet per bird in the run, and 2-3 in the coop not including roost space. Hope this helps!

When yours free range are they confined by a fenced in yard? I don't think I can totally free range due to our property being infinite as far as no fences plus my in-laws dogs are 1/4 a mile down the road and free range themselves between our properties.
I am thinking of implementing a paddock type system for them to get out of the confined run and into our yard. Still working on the logistics of that though.
Do you have any pics of your set up? Thanks!

 

[BirdLeaf]

When yours free range are they confined by a fenced in yard? I don't think I can totally free range due to our property being infinite as far as no fences plus my in-laws dogs are 1/4 a mile down the road and free range themselves between our properties.
I am thinking of implementing a paddock type system for them to get out of the confined run and into our yard. Still working on the logistics of that though.
Do you have any pics of your set up? Thanks!

My birds free range in the horse pasture in a coyote resistant fenced area, however they regularly leave and go out the gate. I can send some pictures, my coop is far from fancy but I’ll send some in a minute when I go gather eggs

 

[BirdLeaf]

I also have 4 dogs, and my back yard butts up to the pasture, but the birds avoid the dogs.. and the dogs are fenced in.

 

[BirdLeaf]

This is a picture of the current main coop and intro coop.

Side view of main coop and goose pool

Inside the run, dust bath and giant waterer

Another angle

Wind escape area/goose laying area and coop entrance

The gate they enter and exit through to access the rest of the property. All five acres are fenced

Pasture view, fencing is hard to see but it’s 4-5 feet tall and pinned to the ground to keep tunnelers discouraged

Intro coop, for chicks and new birds

My chicken mansion, under construction. It will become my layer house. The main coop will become a breeding project house. I’ll be running a somewhat large run around it and adding ramps. I can house 80+ birds inside. I’m starting a little operation here haha

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Wow! @BirdLeaf that is all great. Mine is just a tiny fraction of your farm. Lol.
We have our own dogs, but they are inside spoiled brats. My husband says my outside animals are spoiled too. But, I need him to be on board to do that.

 

[BirdLeaf]

Wow! @BirdLeaf that is all great. Mine is just a tiny fraction of your farm. Lol.
We have our own dogs, but they are inside spoiled brats. My husband says my outside animals are spoiled too. But, I need him to be on board to do that.

Thank you! I wish it was a bit more fancy but it does the job haha! I would say you could free range/yard them if you fence an area. The more room the better! If you have hawks though you may want to net a roof for them.