Introduction question

[crc310]

I currently have a roo and 5 hens in a 10’x10’ coop (shed). It has a 10’x10’ pen (winterized) attached with a small door dividing the 2 spaces. I am getting a drake Sun. His females had been hit by a car a year ago and he’s been alone since. He has been living in my coworkers pond since, rarely coming out. They just moved and now he needs a home immediately! I plan on getting him some hens. When would be the best time? He will be living separate from my flock in the pen for a while hoping once I let him out, he will stay (our chicken flock is free range). More questions to come depending on recommendations. Thanks!

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Bless you for taking him in! I also have a drake that lost his mate and will be getting him a girlfriend pretty soon hopefully.
I know a lot of people do keep ducks and chickens together but it doesn't always work out the best. Their ehem, naughty bits don't exactly match up and a drake would be likely to try and mate with your hens and potentially injure them or even kill them. So if you are able to house them separately that would be best.
I would try and find him a girlfriend or two are soon as possible. Good luck to you and your new ducky buddy!

 

[crc310]

Would it be a better idea to wait until his “quarantine” is up or throw girls in there ASAP? First time duck owner! Lol

 

[chickens really]

Hello...I would definitely keep him separate from the Chickens and build another Duck enclosure. You won't need to quarantine the Duck. I take in rescues all the time here with zero quarantine. Ducks are not like Chickens.
Hope you can find him a couple of Hens soon.
Best wishes.

 

[onaharley]

I currently have a roo and 5 hens in a 10’x10’ coop (shed). It has a 10’x10’ pen (winterized) attached with a small door dividing the 2 spaces. I am getting a drake Sun. His females had been hit by a car a year ago and he’s been alone since. He has been living in my coworkers pond since, rarely coming out. They just moved and now he needs a home immediately! I plan on getting him some hens. When would be the best time? He will be living separate from my flock in the pen for a while hoping once I let him out, he will stay (our chicken flock is free range). More questions to come depending on recommendations. Thanks!

I see you are in Michigan, @wannahomestead is needing to sale his flock. He has 1 male and 5 females but willing to separate.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@crc310 best of luck finding your new guy some sweet females. Just try and give him 3 and up. Drakes can be rough on females when mating and they like to mate a lot. Sounds like maybe @onaharley can help out wouldn't that be awesome!!

 

[onaharley]

@crc310 best of luck finding your new guy some sweet females. Just try and give him 3 and up. Drakes can be rough on females when mating and they like to mate a lot. Sounds like maybe @onaharley can help out wouldn't that be awesome!!

Always willing to help a lonely Michigan duck, or any duck for that matter!

 

[MrsMistyReal]

Welcome aboard to BYC family gr8 people tons of information loads of fun enjoy shake your tail feathers

 

[Ravynscroft]

Would it be a better idea to wait until his “quarantine” is up or throw girls in there ASAP? First time duck owner! Lol

Always quarantine is best, ducks are hardier and less susceptible to diseases, but they can carry and not show ones that can pass on to chickens...

When you get the girls, house them next to him where they can see each other and get to know each other first, before putting them together...

 

[crc310]

Thank u all! I spoke to Michigan Duck Rescue and he was wonderful answering all my questions!