Should I get a few ducks?

[nessa.morg]

Can ducks be near chickens or will they catch diseases from the chickens. I was considering quail but then I found out they have to be kept 20 ft away from chickens. Is it the same for ducks. I only have three hens right now and Im trying to expand. Also how hard are ducks to care foe and is there anything you can tell me that might help me decide whether to get ducks?

 

[Jessica Thompson]

I have ducks I don't think they would get diseases from chickens they could get lice or mites but the mites wouldn't stand a chance to the water here are some pros and cons of ducks

PROS
1. they sometimes eat small cat tails

2. They lay very delicious eggs

3. Some breeds can fend for themselves

CONS
1. they eat and drink a lot

2. they NEED a pond or else they smell

3. There hard to take care of in the winter

 

[Little duck farm]

Ducks can be around chickens no problem. As for ducks they are very very messy and have to have water at all times.

 

[nessa.morg]

I have ducks I don't think they would get diseases from chickens they could get lice or mites but the mites wouldn't stand a chance to the water here are some pros and cons of ducks

PROS
1. they sometimes eat small cat tails

2. They lay very delicious eggs

3. Some breeds can fend for themselves

CONS
1. they eat and drink a lot

2. they NEED a pond or else they smell

3. There hard to take care of in the winter

How expensive is there feed compared to chickens? And whats difficult about the winter?

 

[nessa.morg]

Ducks can be around chickens no problem. As for ducks they are very very messy and have to have water at all times.

As for mess, I can deal with that. And I can deal with providing water at all times.

 

[Lil Drake40]

My chickens and ducks and geese are all together daily my muscovies and chickens sleep in the same coop scovies roosting with the chickens.

 

[Lil Drake40]

The only problem I can see is drakes some drakes will try and mate with hens which it’s a death sentence I have 2 drakes they have plenty of females to keep them happy so I have never had that problem but def something to consider

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Can ducks be near chickens or will they catch diseases from the chickens. I was considering quail but then I found out they have to be kept 20 ft away from chickens. Is it the same for ducks. I only have three hens right now and Im trying to expand. Also how hard are ducks to care foe and is there anything you can tell me that might help me decide whether to get ducks?

How expensive is there feed compared to chickens? And whats difficult about the winter?

My ducks and chickens are separated by a welded wire fence. Ducks aren't prone to chicken diseases, but they could get mites and lice if they don't have adequate water for bathing.
I would just use an all flock feed and add oyster shell or egg shells on the side for laying chickens and ducks. No worries about separate feed.

 

[thumper650]

Not sure what's hard about ducks in winter, aside from keeping their water thawed. I just change mine daily and they're fine. They love being out in snow!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I don't think ducks need a pond, but appreciate a place to swim/bathe in larger than a dish of water such as a kiddie pool. Otherwise as long as their water containers are deep enough to stick their heads in, they will be fine too.
The kiddie pool needs emptied every other day or two - so it is work. Keeping fresh water for the ducks is work too.
Water, water, water....
Oh and they love mud and love to get their water dirty.
Did I mention water?