Integrating ducklings to chicken flock

[Harley Chick]

I would like to get 3 ducklings this spring. At what age can they be introduced to our flock of 5 chickens? Would it be just like adding a new chicken? I know ducks grow quickly so they would get to their size fast. Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Best way is a look no touch pen side by side. Chickens can be brutal to duckling/ducks with those beaks so best to err on the side of caution when introducing. Will they be sleeping in the same coop?

 

[Harley Chick]

Best way is a look no touch pen side by side. Chickens can be brutal to duckling/ducks with those beaks so best to err on the side of caution when introducing. Will they be sleeping in the same coop?

Thank you Miss Lydia, I figured as much. Trying to do all my research BEFORE I get the new babies. Our coop is elevated about 4ft off the ground so what I would like to do is expand our current chicken run and use the dog kennel as the duck enclosure. We would build them their own little house. I attached the run/coop with dog kennel so you can see our current set-up. We have a shed about 15ft from the run and i would love to just build an open air run to the back of the shed for the chickens . Then I would use the kennel on the side for the ducks. What are your thoughts?

Now to convince the DH that 3 ducks won't trash the yard LOL.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That looks really nice and it would be best unless free ranging to have ducks and chickens separated. Or your poor chickens would be living in mud. But if your going to free range they would eventually be able to do that. And I would like to make a suggestion about covering the top of your runs with netting or something that will keep flying and climbing predators out.

 

[chickens really]

Well it could go either way. My Ducks absolutely hate my Chickens and if you get a Drake he could injure a Chicken if tries to breed. A separate pen for the Ducks is strongly recommended.