Very Important Question:

[Joz]

I just bought a house. We're renovating it a bit, and I'm digging up the backyard for a garden. It's a pretty small yard (60x10-ish).

I'm getting excited to build a coop and get some chickens. We're thinking 3 or 4. I want good layers, boyfriend wants "that one with the 'fro". The coop will be tucked alongside the house, behind a "bump" that sticks out ~4'.

Over the weekend I was running around town researching feed availability and local resources, and at one store was presented with a yard-sized ecosystem that got me thinking.

So, my question is:

Should I get chickens? Or Ducks? (as you may have guessed, searching this topic is kinda futile)

 

[JennsPeeps]

This is BackYardCHICKENS, not BackYardDUCKS.

Get chickens.

 

[debilorrah]

LOL Jenn!!!! Get chickens. TerrieLacy will tell you to get ducks. Get chickens first. Terrie do not tell her to get ducks.

 

[crazy cat lady]

Get Ducks, now Terrilacy won't have to.

BTW, I have both and geese (chickens, ducks and geese)

 

[chicks4kids]

I have chickens and ducks. Chickens for eggs and meat, and ducks cuz they're cute

Ducks are incredibly messy. I would surely go with chickens...although ducks are absolutely adorable, you may not like the messes and surprises they leave ALL OVER the place!! Literally...everywhere!!

 

[melissastraka]

chickens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! then get ducks later....

 

[ranchhand]

Reality check!
Are you allowed to have livestock birds in your area? What do the neighbors think? Chickens and ducks are pretty noisy!

Okay, chickens first, all pullets, then get the ducks after the water features are built!

I know, I am SUCH a wet blanket......

 

[Love my Critters!]

Definately try chickens first. I've had ducks before and even though they are wonder to have they are VERY messy! Especially if your yard will be somewhat small. Chickens and ducks will poop on your back porch, duck poo is much bigger!!!

Oops forgot to say

 

[OlliOlliOlli]

Get both at the same time. Watch your chickens wish they were ducks, and your ducks wish they were chickens. Hilarity ensues

 

[maplesky7]

I must agree... chickens will be a walk in the park and then when you want to try it try some ducks... and then you will see... they are messy... but they are a joy to my kids so 2 ducks aren't so bad.