Can Indian Runners and Isa Browns live together peacefully?

[UncleBimBim]

I have 3 runners (1 drake, 2 hens) that are about 10 weeks old and 4 Isa brown chooks that are 12 months old. They share a free range pen and a coop that is housed within a predator proof cage. The chooks have the upper level and the ducks have the lower.

The chickens can be extremely aggressive toward the ducks, sometimes ganging up on one and pecking at it. The poor ducks seem so distressed.

I've started separating them in the foraging pen, and at night when I put them in the coop, I make sure they chickens can't get out into the night time run area, that way the ducks aren't being attacked at night.

Is there a chance that they can live peacefully together or do I need to look at separating them permanently?

 

[FowlProtector]

You're doing the right thing by separating them for now, especially since the chickens are being aggressive. Isa Browns can be pretty assertive, and since they’re older, they see the ducks as lower in the pecking order.
There's a chance they might coexist peacefully over time, but it depends on a few factors:

• Ducks getting bigger – As the Runners mature, they might hold their own better.
• More space & hiding spots – If the foraging pen is large enough, adding visual barriers (like shrubs, pallets, or overturned crates) can help the ducks escape bullying.
• Separate feeding areas – Food competition can increase aggression, so keeping food/water stations apart may help.

If the chickens are relentless, though, a permanent separation might be necessary, at least for most of the day. Some people have success with ducks and chickens cohabiting, but it often depends on individual personalities. If the ducks seem constantly stressed, they’ll be happier with their own space.
Are the chickens drawing blood or just chasing and pecking? That can help determine whether they’ll ever settle down or if the aggression is too much.

 

[UncleBimBim]

You're doing the right thing by separating them for now, especially since the chickens are being aggressive. Isa Browns can be pretty assertive, and since they’re older, they see the ducks as lower in the pecking order.
There's a chance they might coexist peacefully over time, but it depends on a few factors:

• Ducks getting bigger – As the Runners mature, they might hold their own better.
• More space & hiding spots – If the foraging pen is large enough, adding visual barriers (like shrubs, pallets, or overturned crates) can help the ducks escape bullying.
• Separate feeding areas – Food competition can increase aggression, so keeping food/water stations apart may help.

If the chickens are relentless, though, a permanent separation might be necessary, at least for most of the day. Some people have success with ducks and chickens cohabiting, but it often depends on individual personalities. If the ducks seem constantly stressed, they’ll be happier with their own space.
Are the chickens drawing blood or just chasing and pecking? That can help determine whether they’ll ever settle down or if the aggression is too much.

Thanks for the response!

I've not seen any blood. Just feathers being plucked. I'm usually pretty quick to run in and save them.

The foraging area is a fairly decent size and is where our plum and apple trees grow. Underneath those are large rocks and bushes, plus there's a pool for the ducks. Plenty of spots for them to hide, get out of the sun etc.

 

[FrostRanger]

I would advise separating your ducks and chickens now. Aside from the current issues you're having, drakes and chickens is a dangerous combination especially with so few duck hens. If your drake attempts to mate one of your chickens he can kill her as chickens and ducks have different anatomy. There is a chance your drake will behave himself but there's really no telling if he will rn and he will be starting puberty soon, I personally wouldn't risk it especially with their relationship being tenuous as it is