Ducks and Hens

[pkgal21]

I've seen that you can raise ducks and pullets together, but I'm looking for some pro tips. I have a 5x9 fixed coop with a 10x12 attached/covered run. I have 5 hens and looking for 1 more chick and a duckling.

Coop setup
Swimming/wading area
Food
Sleeping/nesting arrangements for ducks

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Pic of the run area before it was finished.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I wouldn't keep a single duck, they need their own species for company. If you duck ends up a drake it won't be good for you hens. It's best to brood and keep the species separately as they have different needs and requirements.

Adding a single chick isn't a good idea either as it also will be a solitary animal.

 

[pkgal21]

I changed my mind to add two ducks. Any tips?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

See how it goes, if you have problems you may have to separate out the ducks to their own area.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Chickens and ducks are definitely different species of birds with different needs. Ducks are messy with their water (messier poops too!) and chickens like things dry.
Here are 2 pics illustrating their differences.
I have a 16x16 run with 4 chickens and will be adding 4 ducklings (soon to be ducks because they grow fast). I will have two different setups for their housing, and I am worried that I won't have enough room in the run to keep their habitats the away they like it. It looks like you can expand the run - so, you might want to consider that. Also, consider how messy ducks are compared to chickens and think about their housing setup.