The Duck thing

[Alagirl]

Ok, as stated in my thread about pulling the trigger (that finger still has cramps, we still have no chicks) I want hens.
My husband thinks ducks are cute and he wanted some ducklings.
I's be happy to indulge him (I think they are cute as well) but we have no water on the property (well, tab water)
How much trouble am I asking for if I were to consider a trough or similar as a body of water?

What would be a good beginner duck?
I think I am partial to Indian Runners because they just luck funny.

And how well can ducks cohabit with chickens?

For now, I am off to construct my hen habitat.....

 

[SilverBirds]

In most aspects ducks are easier then chickens. They simply need a dry place to sleep, a run, and maybe one nest as the prefer laying wherever they please. I just have a large bowel that they can swim in. I clean it once a day minimum. As long as you are giving them enough water to dunk their entire heads in (so they can clean their eyes and nostrils) they'll be fine. Having somewhere for them to wade or actually paddle around in is a plus for them but they can live without.

Pekins, cayugas, and runners are known for being the beginner breeds. Runners are great forages and layers.

Ducks and chicken cohabit nicely for most people. My ducks cared nothing for the chickens and would go off and do their own thing. Unless brooded and raised together they mostly ignore each other.

 

[Yardmom]

Brooding drakes with chickens together can be a problem when the are old enough to mate.
Duck hens and chickens are fine together, but the ducks will make the coop messier.
Many people keep ducks without a pond. Some use a kiddie swimming pool.