How to introduce ducks to the chicken coop?

[RebekahK]

It’s about time for these babies to go outside and I’m planning on putting my two ducks into my coop with my six chickens. The coop and run are plenty big enough for them all, and I’ve read that it’s beneficial to have chickens in with ducks to help break down their waste and muck. My 6 hens are really sweet and get along well, I suspect that one of my ducks may be a male. I know this can be a problem so I plan on keeping a very close eye on “him” and the rest of my girls. And if I have to build a separate enclosure I will.

I just don’t know how to properly introduce them for a smooth transition? I want to minimize stress and everyone to be happy. Any suggestions?

 

[Isaac 0]

Sorry, no one was able to respond, did you figure everything out?

 

[Portugal Muscovy Novice]

I had a similar setup and approach. I placed the ducks (muscovy) in the chicken run when the chicks were asleep. This worked a treat. The chickens came out the next morning slightly more vocal than usual but they don't cross paths much. the ducks have their little pool and they far around that all day while the chickens scratch around them. im now adding more numbers to this arrangement, it worked very well.