Mallards

[Crazychocolatedog]

Hi,
we re recently had two ducks fly to our pool cover, and start swimming around eating algae and crud Off of it . Of course they were adorable and I gave them some extra chicken food and cracked corn so they have been hanging around for about a week~ We live on the edge of a grasses marsh, and wetlands, and I think they are looking for a place to lay eggs too....
today I had my chickens out and the two ducks flew over, and started following my chickens around the yard. I only allow my chickens to roam when I can stand guard, hawks, coyotes, foxes, etc,... but I do keep them out as often as I can when I can supervise.

Is it dangerous to allow the ducks to interact with my 3 chickens . They all seem to get along really well. the ducks will go where they like, I can’t stop them when I’m not out there...but if it’s ok, I will let them hang out with us.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Personally i don't think there is any danger for both sides, even though many people will now yell »Hell those wild ducks carry diseases and will infect your chickens with all kinds of parasites!« - I don't think so. You let your chickens roam free and they have already be exposed to nature, poop from wild animals and fresh air. I bet your chickies will learn a great deal in paying attention to predators from those wild ducks.
Just my personal opinion.
My flock of domestic ducks interacts with two pairs of wild mallards here. And i'm not sure if at least one of the offspring drakes is from a wild mallard…

 

[Crazychocolatedog]

Thank you. i appreciate your input. Living on the marsh..._there’s all kinds of wildlife crossing through, and I have no control. Rabbits, deer, turkey, ducks...and the predators.
they don’t mingle but thr ducks are following the chickens.
my dog must think the ducks are part of our flock, because he no longer chases them.