Raising a baby duck and chicks together, Questions!

[Riivo]

Hey everyone, So I am planning on getting a few chicks early May (2 to be exact) and one duckling.

My concern is that I know ducks are extremely flocky and need buddies so I'm trying to figure out a way to raise the chicks and duckling together.
I know first hand how messy ducklings can be and I understand a wet environment is not healthy for chicks, is there any advice on how to have a safe healthy environment for the chicks and ducklings to be together in the same nursery in my house? Once they reach the age where they can go outside I don't think I'll have an issue with mess in the coop. I'm just curious if anyone has any bedding tips, or any advice at all with raising the two species together.

My grandma recommended shavings as bedding! With news paper underneath, and the ease of cleaning it and how dry it tends to stay even with a messy baby duck.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Isaac 0]

Preferably, they be in a totally sperate brooder, but If need be you can separate the brooder into two using wireframe or cardboard to avoid the chick's bedding from getting wet.

As far as when they get older, they can usually be housed together with no problem, as long as there is plenty of space in the coop/run for each species.

 

[DucklingLover232]

We did the same thing we got one duck and 3 chick. we use Wood shavings for bedding and my duckling does make a mess. you’ll need to refill the water at least 2 times a day and clean the bin every day or every other day. Also have you got a plan for their food? Chicks and ducklings need different food. duck food has more niacin and helps they’re legs stay strong, but the chicks need the medication. we give the duckling feed to them for 2 days and then 1 day the chick feed then 2 days with the duck feed I’m that pattern, just so that everyone gets what they need and the ducklings need niacin more than the chicks need they’re medication. Also make sure to get the right chick feed because some chick feed can make the duckling sick. Good luck!!!

 

[DucklingLover232]

Preferably, they be in a totally sperate brooder, but If need be you can separate the brooder into two using wireframe or cardboard to avoid the chick's bedding from getting wet.

As far as when they get older, they can usually be housed together with no problem, as long as there is plenty of space in the coop/run for each species.

Won’t the duckling get lonley?

 

[Riivo]

Preferably, they be in a totally sperate brooder, but If need be you can separate the brooder into two using wireframe or cardboard to avoid the chick's bedding from getting wet.

As far as when they get older, they can usually be housed together with no problem, as long as there is plenty of space in the coop/run for each species.

Great advice! Thank you!!

 

[Riivo]

Won’t the duckling get lonley?

That's my concern 100%, and why I'm trying my hardest to raise them together otherwise it won't be fair to the little baby =[

 

[Isaac 0]

Won’t the duckling get lonley?

I didn't see that they only have one duckling.

 

[Riivo]

We did the same thing we got one duck and 3 chick. we use Wood shavings for bedding and my duckling does make a mess. you’ll need to refill the water at least 2 times a day and clean the bin every day or every other day. Also have you got a plan for their food? Chicks and ducklings need different food. duck food has more niacin and helps they’re legs stay strong, but the chicks need the medication. we give the duckling feed to them for 2 days and then 1 day the chick feed then 2 days with the duck feed I’m that pattern, just so that everyone gets what they need and the ducklings need niacin more than the chicks need they’re medication. Also make sure to get the right chick feed because some chick feed can make the duckling sick. Good luck!!!

That's so encouraging to hear! Thank you so much that eases my heart. I will absolutely be sure to do my homework. My friend is a Duck Guru so I've got the know how for Niacin and ducklings (bless his heart for helping me) Now all I need is the know how for the chicks! Internet researching 24/7 haha Lots of new mommy homework!

 

[Isaac 0]

That's my concern 100%, and why I'm trying my hardest to raise them together otherwise it won't be fair to the little baby =[

Your duckling needs another friend, chicks are not suitable flock mates for ducks. They are different species. I suggest if you can't get another duckling, don't get one at all.

 

[Riivo]

I didn't see that they only have one duckling.

If it comes down to it and I feel I can't handle raising them together, I won't get the duckling. I'm 100% aware they will be sad if they don't have a buddy. =[
Decisions Decisions! In the end their well being is my top priority!