The BIG question

[poultryman17]

So my wife and daughters and I (mostly I ) are raising a mixed flock of chickens, 29 in all. Have a coop that is 14' x 5 and a pen that is 15' x 15'. Wifey has commented couple of times about having ducks. I have raised chickens before but never had ducks. I have heard that ducks are messy. My question is "how messy"? What eggzactly does that mean. Do ducks co habitate well with chickens? Is it best to have two? Do i have enough room for a couple of ducks? Are the eggs yummy? Really just need a little guidance for this decision. Easter is really close and thinking might be a nice surprise if I am convinced it would go well. The neighbors have a couple of little ones and I need to admit they are awfully cute. Someone please help make up my mind. Thanks a ton

 

[PetesMom]

Our ducks were in with the chickens and they were fine with them. The thing you have to watch is a sexually flustered drake because he will try to mate with the chickens

 

[poultryman17]

i suppose that would be messy!! haha. thanks for the info.

 

[Kevin565]

So my wife and daughters and I (mostly I ) are raising a mixed flock of chickens, 29 in all. Have a coop that is 14' x 5 and a pen that is 15' x 15'. Wifey has commented couple of times about having ducks. I have raised chickens before but never had ducks. I have heard that ducks are messy.


My question is "how messy"?

Very messy. They can easily turn a pen to mud if it's not big enough.What eggzactly does that mean.


Do ducks co habitate well with chickens?

They can but watch out for the drakes mating your hens


Is it best to have two?

Yes birds do better with at least one of its kind

Do i have enough room for a couple of ducks?

Personally I'd say maybe. You already have quite a few birds so you'd have to start with maybe too to make sure your pen can handle them


Are the eggs yummy?

Many people like them but they can taste swampy

Really just need a little guidance for this decision. Easter is really close and thinking might be a nice surprise if I am convinced it would go well. The neighbors have a couple of little ones and I need to admit they are awfully cute. Someone please help make up my mind. Thanks a ton

 

[poultryman17]

Would the drake actually get the job done on a chicken? Does this harm the chicken since its a drake. Just thinking biological design here?

 

[Kevin565]

Would the drake actually get the job done on a chicken? Does this harm the chicken since its a drake. Just thinking biological design here?

A drake can kill a hen if he mates her

 

[poultryman17]

Thanks Kevin, Glad i am asking these questions now rather than later when its too late. Really dont want to be walking in mud to do chores. Dont want a mating issue and end up with a Chuck or a Dicken. haha. thans for the great info. Im thinking maybe i should build a different pen if i want ducks. The girls are wanting to show some of the chickens for 4H and guessing a duck would cause some problems ie. dirty chickens.