What do you think of DUCKS?

[rhodeislandred1]

Okay I'll see how well they get a long. If not, I'll get another friend. Thanks for the help people!

 

[rhodeislandred1]

Last question!
Does a male or a female duck get along with chickens? Or does it not matter?

 

[Mehjr10]

Our Drake was raised with a group of Chicks, he hangs with them until he go for a swim... He has more issues with the dogs than with his group of chickens.

 

[Pyxis]

Last question! 
Does a male or a female duck get along with chickens? Or does it not matter?

Males can and will try to mate with hens if raised with them and there aren't any female ducks around, which can kill the hen. I have to say I really recommend getting two, like others have said. Two ducks are pretty much the same amount of work as one and they'll be much happier. Even if the chickens keep it company, it's not the same.

Think of it this way: if we locked you up with a bunch of chimpanzees and no humans, sure, you'd have company and it'd be better than being all alone, but you wouldn't be able to communicate with them very well and would be much less happy than you would be with other humans.

Ducks are the same way. They may all be birds, but they all speak their own language and have their own ways of communicating.

That said, they are fantastic pets, and you really don't have to worry about them going over fences. Most domestic breeds are too large for their wings and are lucky if they can get a few feet off the ground. Mallards, muscovies, calls, and sometimes rouens can fly. Get pekins, and they're going nowhere.

 

[Going Quackers]

Last question!
Does a male or a female duck get along with chickens? Or does it not matter?

Males definitely bring forth the risk of mating(possibly killing) hens, while some do manage to do it, it's a risk and you must be prepared to removed the drake or hen. Females ducks are a much better choice to blend with chickens if they must reside together all the time.

 

[Deleted member 94844]

If you can only have one, definitely a female... but a pair would be much better.

 

[rhodeislandred1]

Oh no...I don't want to kill my hens Is there a way I can know if a duck is male or female by just looking at the little duckling?
And thanks for the warning. Also, I'll see into getting 2 ducks.

 

[Pyxis]

Oh no...I don't want to kill my hens Is there a way I can know if a duck is male or female by just looking at the little duckling?
And thanks for the warning. Also, I'll see into getting 2 ducks.

If you get welsh harlequins (that's what I breed) the ducklings can be sexed with about 70-90% accuracy when they hatch by their bill color. Otherwise, you could have someone experienced vent sex them for you, which is 90% accurate. If you were to order them from a hatchery, you could get them already sexed. They'd make you order at least two, though.

 

[farm girl]

Yes, they can fly evan the ones that are non-flyers. Put some chicken wire on the top of your pen! They are loud but if people get desterbed very easy then you should not get them! Try asking your nabors what they think. Also...No, they will learn like your chickens to go in, but mine stay up at night a lot they like take naps a lot in the day and night! They might not get along with the chickens at first but it will work out, be carful if they grow up with chickens then they will think they are one! oh, and they are vary nasty, but where they lay there eggs ( the nest ) they will keep clean. any more ?s then ask me, cuz i know all about them!

 

[rhodeislandred1]

Thanks. do ducks lay eggs everyday like chickens do?