Should I get a duck?

[bryan8]

Well I want a duck but I wasn't sure if it would be able to live with my chickens. Can they live with the chickens?

 

[chilly]

Hi Bryan,
I believe ducks and chickens will live together fine but there are a few things to bear in mind.

Ducks are very social animals, so it would be better to get a pair rather than just one.

Ducks don't need medicated feed ( i think chickens do) so i don't know if you would have to feed them seperately.

I am quite new to ducks myself so i'm sure some of the more experienced members will correct any mistakes i have made.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I have 25 chickens, 3 ducks and 2 geese, they all live in the same coop/run.
They are more messy with water, they need lots of water to process the food, but otherwise, they are great! I love the ducks, they are wonderful and I am waiting for eggs!!!

 

[cartychic]

i have 3 ducks that live happily with my chickens, I love watching them all wandering around the garden.
You should get some.

 

[froggie71]

Ducks can live with chickens, but as stated they are very messy. They need a lot of water and can get water everywhere! We currently have 1 duckling with our 2 chicks and 3 keets. They grow amazingly fast. Our ducklings is about 2 week younger than the chicks but is almost 3 times their size now.
Though many people have stated that ducklings can't have medicated chick feed others have stated that is old news and the new medicated feed is fine. We always gave game bird starter to both, but had the chicks vaccinated. With our newest chicks/duckling they were not vaccinated and we have given medicated chick starter to all the babies without any problems. Their bedding needs to be changed quite frequently though because of the duckling. Also ducklings need more niacin and less protein than chicks, so that may need to be addressed.

 

[duck walk]

the simple answer is, yes, get ducks...not one, at least two...they need each other...they are a riot...messy but funny...well worth the effort...

 

[duckboatprincess]

You absolutely should get ducks. No yard is complete with out at least 2!! I have six right now. If I could, I'd have 30 lol... Get them

(That's probably not a question you should ask on BYC... of course we're going to tell you yes! LOL

)

 

[KellyandKatie]

You should get TWO ducks, like everyone else said, at least a pair or a trio
my ducks live with my chickens, but I don't think it is right to have one of any highly social animal
you will not be sorry you get a pair of ducks- they are the clowns of the yard

 

[ScoobyRoo]

Yes, and mine do. I'm lucky to have a concrete run with a drain it it. The pool is located right next to it so I dont have problems with a lot of water.

 

[b.hromada]

Yes, ducks and chickens get along just fine. Now, I've noticed when I had 2 drakes, that was a different story. They just did not leave my chickens alone. They pulled out lots of their feathers, and were just being plain pains in the you know what to them!!

But ducks on the other hand, get along great. Good luck, and if you do get some ducks, you'll just love 'em to pieces!