So... tell me about ducks.

[Tanichca]

Well, they can dig all they want, the pen is a huge dirt-and-rock floored coop. As for the smell, they are far away from the house and the coop is easily raked out. Would hens get along well with my bantams (silkies, phoenix, RIR, and dutch?)

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Do not get only one. They need their own kind to be happy. Call ducks lay very little eggs, but are very very cute. They may or may not do well with your chickens. Not all ducks tolerate chickens, not all chickens tolerate ducks. Call ducks can fly, and fly very well. Keep a roof on the pen, or their wings clipped or they could be gone.

 

[Tanichca]

The pen does have a roof (we installed it a few months back after a hawk killed a few of my birds)

If I keep the ducks and chickens separated for a few weeks, will they get along better?

 

[Tanichca]

Well, I bought a gray call drake, very cute. He bit me once, but I think it's just because I was handling him and he wasn't used to it (he's a bit skittish.)

Thanks for the help, everyone!

 

[RLipinski10]

Good luck with your duck!

But I'm still going to share my two cents.

We have 2 Pekins and 1 Rouen. We had two Rouens but a raccoon got one.

Anyways, everyone who said ducks are messier than chickens, could not be more right! Lol. But, my husband and I personally love our ducks. They have such personality and are so much fun. Even just watching them from inside our house makes us laugh. They're a goofy, messy bird but definitely worth it. Again, that's our opinion. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours.

 

[Rosepath Garden]

I find that an aggressive duck (biting anytime) will always be aggressive.
I raise all my ducks from ducklings with daily handling the drakes are sometimes friendlier than the hens.