Questions about getting ducks

[kelseyk]

We are new to chickens and ducks. We picked up 6 chicks from the local farm store last Friday and then 3 more yesterday and are planning on picking up 3 ducks next Wednesday. We have our chicks in a stock tank in our shop right now. When we get the ducks, can we put them in the tank with the chicks or will the chicks pick on them? Do you have any tips for someone just starting out with ducks?

 

[Poultry parent]

The chicks won't really pick on the ducklings.
The main things to know about ducklings are that they go through water really fast, and they'll splash it into their bedding, so you have to change the bedding more frequently. You also need to give them niacin. I unfortunately don't know the exact amount

 

[junebuggena]

A few potential problems. Ducklings grow much faster than chicks, and take up a huge amount of space in a very short time. Second, ducklings do not need as much heat as chicks. Ducks are also very messy when eating and drinking. They get water everywhere, no matter what you do. Ducks need a water source that is deep enough to submerge their heads in, presenting a drowning risk for chicks. Ducklings also need brewers yeast added to their feed, and they will need to be switched to a lower protein feed (about 16% protein) at about 3 weeks of age, while the chicks will still need at least 18% protein. Since you are a first timer, I do suggest that you just keep separate brooders for your species. It will make caring for each much simpler.