Howdy everyone! I'm new to all of this. We got a pekin duck and barred rock (I think) about a month ago. We currently have them in a brooder but they are quickly, mostly the duck, outgrowing it. We are almost done with our coup...we are building a run with a box (I'm sure there's a special name) for them to stay sheltered from the elements. When would it be safe to move them outside? We live in Kansas City and we are transitioning into spring, thank goodness, but still get the random cold days/ flurries...any suggestions? The duck is making such a mess with the water that I'm constantly refilling it. Is it safe to put a pie dish (or something similar) in with the chicken? Was I silly to think a duck and a chicken would be good together? Should I get another duck and another chicken and separate them? Right now if I take one out ad not the other they seem to get sad and call out for the other...I think they're best friends. Thanks for any insight and advice! So excited 
! Great to have you here! By this age the chicken would be safe from drowning if you gave a pie pan of water. And yes, ducks are a colossal mess with the water. One word of caution as they get older - if the duck is a drake and tries breed the hen (and he will) and she's a chick, this is bad news - he will hurt or even kill her by breeding her. If they are two hens you should be okay (although the dietary requirements will be a little different). Good luck to you and your flock! 
