Thinking about doing what I never never thought I’d do. Getting rid of the chickens

[HeatherMo]

First timer this spring, I bought my first baby chicks and raised em up! They aren’t even laying yet. Then I bought 2 ducklings ( random story, very impulsive). I like my chickens, but I love the ducks). I’m crazy obsessed with the ducks and wish I knew how wonderful they were long ago. So I had a rescue chicken that disappeared, and I’m feeling pretty low about that. Also, I’ve been trying to integrate my ducklings in the run with my chickens but they are bullies. Pulling the feathers out of my ducks wings. Not sure they will all live in harmony like I hoped. Family friend is looking for chickens this age, and these are people I trust. I’m feeling the impulse to give them away and get more ducks. Maybe because I’m feeling sad about the rescue fail, definitely feeling upset about my chickens being mean to my ducks, and pulling out their feathers! Maybe not the best time to make decisions when I’m feeling emotion.

 

[Fishsticks06]

First timer this spring, I bought my first baby chicks and raised em up! They aren’t even laying yet. Then I bought 2 ducklings ( random story, very impulsive). I like my chickens, but I love the ducks). I’m crazy obsessed with the ducks and wish I knew how wonderful they were long ago. So I had a rescue chicken that disappeared, and I’m feeling pretty low about that. Also, I’ve been trying to integrate my ducklings in the run with my chickens but they are bullies. Pulling the feathers out of my ducks wings. Not sure they will all live in harmony like I hoped. Family friend is looking for chickens this age, and these are people I trust. I’m feeling the impulse to give them away and get more ducks. Maybe because I’m feeling sad about the rescue fail, definitely feeling upset about my chickens being mean to my ducks, and pulling out their feathers! Maybe not the best time to make decisions when I’m feeling emotion.

If you prefer ducks over chickens, I’d give them away. Especially that you know the chickens will live good lives, I’d say it’d be for the best. Well I hope you take this into consideration and it’s up to you to decide if you want to keep the chickens or not. Well anyways I hope you do well and best wishes!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

First timer this spring, I bought my first baby chicks and raised em up! They aren’t even laying yet. Then I bought 2 ducklings ( random story, very impulsive). I like my chickens, but I love the ducks). I’m crazy obsessed with the ducks and wish I knew how wonderful they were long ago. So I had a rescue chicken that disappeared, and I’m feeling pretty low about that. Also, I’ve been trying to integrate my ducklings in the run with my chickens but they are bullies. Pulling the feathers out of my ducks wings. Not sure they will all live in harmony like I hoped. Family friend is looking for chickens this age, and these are people I trust. I’m feeling the impulse to give them away and get more ducks. Maybe because I’m feeling sad about the rescue fail, definitely feeling upset about my chickens being mean to my ducks, and pulling out their feathers! Maybe not the best time to make decisions when I’m feeling emotion.

I'm not new to chickens and I've contemplated getting out of the business. It would certainly free up a lot of time and allow for more overnight travel. I had a dearth of chickens for many periods in my life but I've probably raised birds for about 30 years.
Lots of people have successfully (according to them) raised chickens and waterfowl together. I've never tried it. I've always kept species separate.
Regardless of whether one is keeping a single species or multiple species, adequate space and ventilation are the most important factors.
Losing a bird, or 50 birds to predation is definitely a time that has one do some soul searching.

 

[jlwquilter]

I agree with Fishsticks. If you love the ducks and more or less tolerate the chickens then why keep them especially if you have a good new home for them? The loss of the rescue chicken maybe makes you feel more strongly but didn’t make you love the ducks more. I get not making a decision while upset - that’s smart. Maybe the people you know will give you a week to decide?

Chickens- and ducks - are a lot of work. You should do what gives you the most joy out of the effort you put in.

Just my thoughts! Best to you whatever you decide.

 

[Squishychicken]

It could take some work joining the chickens and ducks together. I as well always have kept them separate just less mess and less squabbles.

I'd wait maybe another week really contemplate the idea and decide on what you'd rather do. Raising them together is an option just takes some work or separate pens. Raising ducks be themselves is also an option they also lay eggs and will being the same joy and rewards as chickens just in different forms. I'd give it a week or so and think about it, do whatever would work best for you and youd be more happy with.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

I started raising chickens 6 years ago, I don’t make any money and my chickens are in no means friendly, and I also go away many times a year, but I could never even contemplate giving away my girls( maybe paartially because my coop costed a small fortune), same thing with my ducks, so messy, but SOOOOO cute!

 

[aart]

Maybe not the best time to make decisions when I’m feeling emotion.

Probably not.
...and you are very new to the game, it's a lot of work and a lot to learn before they get 'easier'.
Not being prepared with good housing is the biggest mistake most newbies make and can make a tough situation worse. Integrating new birds without adequate housing and technique can be the straw that breaks the camels back, so to speak.
Think long term about what you want and how you can do it.
Might be best to stick to one species for now, until you get some experience under your belt.

 

[Mrs. K]

You seem to be feeling guilty for no reason. Let the chickens go, and get the ducks.

 

[Lily the poultry keeper]

If you prefer ducks over chickens, I’d give them away. Especially that you know the chickens will live good lives, I’d say it’d be for the best. Well I hope you take this into consideration and it’s up to you to decide if you want to keep the chickens or not. Well anyways I hope you do well and best wishes!

I agree

 

[HeatherMo]

Yeah, I think you all are right. I feel bad about giving up them up because I’ve put a lot in to them. But I think I should be grateful for the experience and look at them as the gateway to what I really love. I love to spend time in my backyard watching them, but it’s really my ducks I’m watching. I like my chickens but I love my ducks!