Someone said on this thread that the ducks would soon rule everything. And after having mine for 6 months I see the truth in their statement. My poor chickens, all of them except two, run, run, run when they see my Ralphie Dux or Petey Dux (Ralphie is the male and, despite the male name, Petey is a female...named by my grandson.)
For a while I was thinking I would have to separate the two species. Once I found Ralphie Dux “hitching” a ride on one of my sweet little Ameraucanas. No Bueno! I know it scared the bejeesus out of her.
I spend a lot of time outside with my creatures and from what I’ve noticed lately is the chickens high-tail it when they see the ducks coming. It’s generally just Ralphie Dux that runs them...away from their water, away from their food, out of their lot/house. But, but, but, any of the chicken watering holes are fair game to the ducks. It’s kinda aggravating.
Every once in a while my chickens will be preoccupied eating something I’ve thrown out for them and the crazy Ralphie Dux will sneak up and get ahold of some feathers. He is very stealthy and can hold on pretty good as they flap and run and squawk to get away.
But I’ve also noticed the chickens and ducks usually are not around each other much unless I’m outside with them. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that nothing happens when I’m not out there. I would prefer that they’d all be able to range the yard together.
My Fall-Ducklings have developed a very serious medical condition today:
