My Ducks Killed My Chicken

[Dbl T in CO]

I appreciate everyone’s comments. I thought I would follow up because this ended on a happy note.

I decided to put the ducks out on Craig’s list. Within 30 minutes I had a woman who had several Runner and Muscovy hens and thought these two would make a great addition to her place. She’s hoping they have ducklings. I drove 45 minutes to go meet her so she wouldn’t have to drive so far.

So everyone wins this time. Most importantly, my hens had a wonderfully relaxing day ranging without the ducks attacking them. I think a party broke out as I drove off the property and our hens did a little jig!!

 

[DuckLady]

Great outcome!

 

[rachel]

Very nice. Good for your hens and the ducks. I know of a man who had to get rid of his muscovies because they would unintentionally squish/kill chicken hens while mating them but then my neighbor keeps his muscovies (including a 15+ pound drake) and chickens together with no problems whatsover.

:

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I have a question relating to this. I'm planning to add a pair of adult Calls to our flock. We have two 'Scovy hens than bunk in with our chickens a night but free-range during the day. However, in the winter we rarely let the ducks out. I've never had a drake before and the whole flock has never been with/even seen a drake in their lives. Would this drake try to mate with our banty hens? The male is very small and not much bigger than a bantam chicken. What should I expect from this?

 

[Dbl T in CO]

My Muscovy drake weighed 15+ pounds and became relentless. My advice to you is if you do decide to get a drake make sure you keep him away from your chickens. My girls are still grieving the loss of my hen the boys killed on Saturday. It has even affected their laying pattern.