The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Andt on July 03, 2012, 08:22:20 pm

Title: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: Andt on July 03, 2012, 08:22:20 pm

I have 3 khaki campbell ducklings at around 8 weeks old, their pen is located within the main chicken run. The ducks pen is getting very muddy with all the rain we're having, I was wondering at what age I could safely mix the ducklings with the hens?


I have mixed already let them out together when I was around to watch and all seemed to go well, but I don't want any problems if I'm not there.

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: Brijjy on July 03, 2012, 10:12:26 pm

I think alot depends on how big your main chicken run is. If it's big enough for the ducklings to get out of everyones way but still be able to access their food then they should be ok. My ducklings have mixed with the hens from hatching but they were with their mum and they do all have an acre to mooch about in. Also what sort of chooks are they sharing with? Some of mine are feistier than others. The warren and the plymouth rock types are quite moody and don't like babies of any sort. The bantams seem to be more tolerant.

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: CameronS on July 05, 2012, 10:47:42 am

mine, eat sleep, drink and roam together and do so from about 3/4weeks old pretty much as soon as they are off heat - i have very few problems!

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: Fowlman on July 05, 2012, 10:52:10 am

My ducks share the coop with the chooks and all are happy. Plenty of space is the trick.

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 05, 2012, 01:51:13 pm

mine share the garden, too, but the chickens go further since they dicovered they can master the fence. Not many problems there, just the cockerel does intimidate the poor ducks sometimes when he thinks his girls should have the food rather than them or if they stray near the hen house at bedtime... :chook: :&>

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: Sylvia on July 05, 2012, 02:11:35 pm

I keep the hen's water up on a platform otherwise the ducks muddy it up in no time. Also ducks are greedy beggars and will leave the hens short on grub so their corn goes up there as well. Otherwise they get on famously often with duck and hen sharing a nest box :&> :chook:

Title: Re: Mixing hens and ducks.
Post by: northfifeduckling on July 05, 2012, 02:31:22 pm

funny, here it's the chickens that are greediest! Ducks' feeding time is when the chooks have gone to bed!  :&>