Author Topic: Is it possible to keep chickens and ducks together? (Read 8537 times)

jenni · « **on:** March 29, 2008, 03:45:57 pm »

I would like to know if it is possible to keep chickens and ducks running together free range?
Would they all get on together? Also would cross breeding be a problem?
Thanks for any advice.

rustyme · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2008, 04:08:39 pm »

Hello Jenni,
chickens and ducks should get on fine together once used to eachother. I kept all sorts together and had very few upsets. As for cross breeding, they are different species so no problems on that score at all . Ducks will need plenty of water , so keep an eye on any young chickens in case they fall in !!! I just used lots of shallow bowls with water about 4"-6" deep and never had one problem . The only duck to cause any problems was a big old muscovy , he would go for anything that got near him . All the other ducks and chickens just kept out of his way ....as did I ...I kept ducks , geese , chickens , guinea fowl and even a few pheasants that got out of pens , doves and for a while peacocks. They all managed to get on ok , so you should be ok . As with any animals ,when you get new ones introduce them carefully and keep an eye on them for a few days. Hope thats of some help...

cheers

Russ

jenni · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2008, 04:19:01 pm »

Hi Russ. Thanks so much for all the advice. Will take note of the water - Good point, i hadn`t thought about that.
I haven`t got the chickens and ducks yet but hope to in the near future.
Thanks again.

rustyme · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2008, 04:27:56 pm »

no probs....good luck when you get them ....

Russ

ps: ducks need plenty of water to keep their eyes clean and their feathers in shape , as well as just to play in . Chickens need a dry area (covered maybe) , so they can dust bath in ,Thats how they keep clean and in good order.

Rosemary · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2008, 08:06:50 pm »

If you don't give chooks a dust bath, they will make one of their own - and they don't care where! I've just replanted the lavender where last year's bath was!