For early birds only?

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PonyMoose

In the Brooder
Jan 26, 2019
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Hi all,
Thanks for all the amazing information you’ve shared on this site!! I don’t currently have backyard squawks but it’s looking like my hubby and I will be moving somewhere that can accommodate a small backyard flock. Yay!! I think I’m interested in Pekins but not really decided since I’m a bit intimidated by the extra work ducks require since I’m a newbie (although the duck guard idea is encouraging ) One question I have is would chickens or ducks be ok if I wasn’t able to visit them until 9 or 10am? Or are they only pets suited to very early risers? And is it ok to have only 2 or 3 in the flock? Thx!
 
Welcome!
There are lots of ways to fit your routine- you could build a predator proof enclosure which would make it possible to leave the "pop door" open at all times or employ an automated coop door mechanism to open and close the door for you. Employing feed and water dispensers that dont require daily filling will also accommodate the birds' need for nutrition and hydration prior to your visit. Small flocks if 2-3 are quite possible.
 
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I don't have ducks, and haven't heard about them being good guards... I've only heard of a single goose being a good flock protector, as well as guinea fowl being great alarms.

I only have chickens and I'm also not an early riser, so I built my coop to accommodate that. My girls have free access to a fully secure and covered run through an always open pop door. The setup is not as big as I want it to be, but it's enough to allow me to sleep in or leave for a day and not worry about them. They always have access to feed, water, grit and oyster shell in the run. I normally open the run doors at my leisure, to let them into their larger side yard for the day, and often I open the side yard gate to my grassy backyard to let them free range as well.
chicken-gate 2.jpg


If you plan to keep chickens locked up past dawn, your coop space needs to be big enough to prevent boredom and fights. I know many folks that keep only 2 ducks, but I think 3 or more chickens is best. Housing chickens and ducks together isn't advised, especially if there are drakes present. I say at least 3 chickens, because you never know what may happen (a predator, illness) and if you lose one, at least there would be 2 remaining to keep each other company.

Good luck with your plans!
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.
You can design your setup so your flock does not need you at the crack of dawn. I personally can't sleep past a certain hour depending on the weather if I know they need me. But I have a more hands on arrangement.
 
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