Ducks and chickens?

[ivyboo]

We have 4 - 1 year old hens and 2- 1 week old chicks. My kids have been asking for a baby duck. Can ducks live with chickens? I've heard they can be messy, but if they drink from nipples like my chickens I think it wouldn't be so bad. Do they eat different things? They are not free range and live in a coop with a run. I let them out for a little bit when we are outside but then put them back in. Any info, would help. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ducks need to submerge their bills on a regular basis to clean their nares, so nipples won't work. They also need to bathe daily. Ducks also need other ducks. If you end up with a male it will try to mate your chickens and could kill them. In general it's best to keep the species separately with their own kind for company.