Mixed Flock - Can Chickens and Ducks (Specifically Drake) Live Together? Is It Safe?

[MistyandLuna]

We have four chickens and they are all hens. We have thought about adding two ducks to live with them. I know drakes can be a little over zealous when breeding season comes, so I’m not sure if we should be getting a drake. Any specific breeds where drakes a little more docile and calm? I’m not worried about the hens with the female duck, since I’ve researched quite a lot that they are just fine together. I’ve read experiences too where there has even been roosters and drakes together. I would love to hear some of your mixed flock experiences.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I would not ever recommend a Drake with hens. A Drake's penis is shaped like a cork screw and will rip apart a chickens reproductive system resulting in injury or even death. Yes there are some Drakes that are very docile (I own two), but it only takes one time for it to result in injury or death. Even if you had the nicest Drake on earth all he has to do is think a chicken looks good for a minute and that chicken could end up dead.

 

[MistyandLuna]

I would not ever recommend a Drake with hens. A Drake's penis is shaped like a cork screw and will rip apart a chickens reproductive system resulting in injury or even death. Yes there are some Drakes that are very docile (I own two), but it only takes one time for it to result in injury or death. Even if you had the nicest Drake on earth all he has to do is think a chicken looks good for a minute and that chicken could end up dead.

Okay, thank you for the response. I’ve been leaning toward not getting a drake because of the risk, so we probably wouldn’t get a drake if we do end up getting ducks.

 

[LT71689]

on top of the difficulty of mixing male ducks with chickens...if you're only interested in two ducks total then you'd also be posing an issue for the female duck (unless you got two drakes) because the gender ratio for ducks is 4+ girls per boy

 

[MistyandLuna]

on top of the difficulty of mixing male ducks with chickens...if you're only interested in two ducks total then you'd also be posing an issue for the female duck (unless you got two drakes) because the gender ratio for ducks is 4+ girls per boy

Yes, I’ve read on that as well, so I think our final conclusion if we get ducks is no drake.

 

[KhaleahThomas1004]

I was having an issue with a Muscovy drake going after my hens, but I believe it was my own fault because I had 4 drakes and 6 female ducks. I am down to two drakes now and both were mothered by my chickens so I have high hopes that it will be okay.