Mixing Chickens and Call Ducks

[shadow rabbit10]

So someone I know has a lot of call ducks they need to rehome. I was going to add two new bantams to my flock, but I've really been having the urge to get ducks. I have 5 hens: 4 bantams (2 EEs, 1 Naked Neck, and 1 Silkie) and a standard Polish. I was hoping the call ducks could live with the chickens, after I quarantine them and properly acclimate them of course. My hens stay in a run, but get to free range usually every day (not when the weather is bad or I'm not home). I would probably get a drake and a hen. So, would the calls and hens get along? Also, would the calls be able to eat the same feed as the chickens (I use Purina layer crumbles)? Would the ducks need a larger waterer, or can their bills fit in a normal one? Also, do call ducks fly a lot, like would I need to clip their wings? I have two hens that can fly very well, but they usually stay grounded so I don't clip, don't know if call ducks are different since they can actually fly away. Also, would getting a pair be okay, or should I get two hens? All my chickens are hens. I'm not 100 percent sure I'm getting the ducks yet, but I want to make sure it would be okay to keep the two species together before consider it. I thought because the calls and my hens are small, things might be easier. Thank you.

 

[GitaBooks]

Sounds like you have an awesome flock!

Ducks and chickens tend to get along well after proper introduction. Keep them in separate pens, where they can see and hear each other, for a week or two before trying to introduce them. Do it free range, so they don't feel like something is entering their territory.
Ducks sleep on the ground and nest on the ground, so they should have a clean, dry bedding and a nest box to use that isn't up high. I think ducks eat layer feed and do well on it (I don't personally have ducks) but they do need extra niacin.
They should have a little tub in which they can splash in and clean out their beaks. This can be placed outside, where it won't get the coop wet and dirty.
I don't think ducks fly that often, though you could clip their wings if need be. They may fly if startled.
Drakes can be aggressive with hens, so they should have at least 4 hens in which to spread out their romance to. I would get two hens if you are only acquiring two.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Thanks for relpying. My coop has shavings on the floor, and my hens only really use 2 of the 4 nest boxes, so they could sleep in either area. I would get them a kiddie pool or something to bathe in. Also, does anyone know how loud call ducks are? I mean, I know they can be loud, but do they make noise all day or only when they're startled, excited, etc.? I know people that have had a pair or trio of ducks and the females didnt get that damaged, thats why i was wondering if i could only get a pair. Also, I've heard that drakes can hurt chicken hens when mating. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[buff goose guy]

Call ducks can fly like no bodies business because they are in the bantam class. My gray calls just began flying and wont stop it takes forever to catch them. but once they're on the ground they only want to be around me . But as long as you dont have any attacking roosters and your hens are calm the call ducks should be fine.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Thanks for the info. I don't like to clip wings, but I could if necessary. My hens are pretty mellow, well two are skittish but it's only when I try to catch them or they are spooked. The ones I'm getting are only kept in a pen, never free ranged, so I don't know if that would make a difference with their flightyness. My hens aren't super aggressive. Also, the calls I'm getting are adults, so would that make things easier than if they were babies?

 

[buff goose guy]

that would make things harder. without out you raising them yourself they probably be more skittish and flighty.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

Okay. I'm going to be quarantining them for about a month, so I'll try to handle them and get them used to me then. I know they're handled a lot by their current owner. At least if things don't work out, the women who has them lives a few blocks away and said I can give them back to her. If I get them it won't be for a few more weeks, but I think I'm considering it now.