Raising Ducks (Specifically A Drake) and Chickens Together? Safe? Need HELP!

[MistyandLuna]

I have four hens, and we have been thinking about possibly adding two new additional birds to our flock - ducks! We also have geese, but they are separated from our hens since they pick on the hens a bit. We were thinking of possibly getting a drake (male), and a hen (female), but I have read that a drake can try mating with the chickens, so maybe we should just get two female ducks, not completely sure, but I've also read instances where there has been two drakes, and one rooster in a mixed flock and it was completely okay. Does it depend on how big the run is? Do they need to be free range in order for the drake to get along with the chickens? I would love some experiences from mixed flock owners, and some knowledge. I can inform you of our run size if needed, but I don't know if the ducks would stay in the coop since I read that they like to sleep outside. I'm sorry for the long description, I would love some help with this, since I would be totally new to ducks. Thank you!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Don't risk it. Chicken hens are not built like duck hens. They can seriously get hurt if a drake tries to breed with them. Stick with girls.if they live together

 

[MistyandLuna]

Don't risk it. Chicken hens are not built like duck hens. They can seriously get hurt if a drake tries to breed with them. Stick with girls.if they live together

Okay, thank you!

 

[Teneniel]

We have a mixed flock but our drake has 3 ducks to keep him busy, so he doesn’t bother the chickens unless he decides it’s the ducks turn at the feeders.

 

[MistyandLuna]

We have a mixed flock but our drake has 3 ducks to keep him busy, so he doesn’t bother the chickens unless he decides it’s the ducks turn at the feeders.

Yeah, I’ve read it’s best to have at least two female ducks per drake, so maybe just sticking with two female ducks, if we do get ducks, would be the best choice. Thank you for the reply!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You could get lucky and everyone gets along, or worst case scenario, you'll have some injured/dead hens, thanks to an overzealous drake.

 

[MistyandLuna]

You could get lucky and everyone gets along, or worst case scenario, you'll have some injured/dead hens, thanks to an overzealous drake.

Yeah. Would you say there is a specific breed that has a calmer drake? I know the white crested and welsh harlequins are generally nice, do you know of any others possibly, maybe from your experience?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yeah. Would you say there is a specific breed that has a calmer drake? I know the white crested and welsh harlequins are generally nice, do you know of any others possibly, maybe from your experience?

I don't have ducks (well, we have wild Mallards, but they're a catastrophe... I've watched the drakes gang up and almost drown hens and ducklings in the pond). Maybe start a new thread on the Duck forum for specific recommendations? https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/ducks.42/

 

[MistyandLuna]

I don't have ducks (well, we have wild Mallards, but they're a catastrophe... I've watched the drakes gang up and almost drown hens and ducklings in the pond). Maybe start a new thread on the Duck forum for specific recommendations? https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/ducks.42/

Okay, thank you for your help, I will do that.