Chickens and Ducks together in run - Help!!

[homesteadhaley]

SOS!! I got 2 cutie ducks a few weeks ago (they're now 6 weeks!!) I did a slow introduction over the course of ~10 days or so and all seemed well! I have 8 chickens currently and have been noticing that 3 of my RIR chickens (unsure if they're pullets or cockerels at this point) are bullying the ducks and gatekeeping their water supply. No matter how close I place water, the chickens will prevent the ducks from getting to it unless I am feeding the chickens a treat.

I let the ducks out of their coop (afraid to put them into the same coop right now for a few reasons) 30 minutes before the chickens in the morning so they can have some time to play and they are last into their coops at night for the same reason. Should I put the ducks back into their own enclosure for now and re-try the integration process? What do I do?!? I am also getting 2-3 more ducks soon so their tribe is bigger and hopefully the build more confidence.

Any and all recs/suggestions are welcome! First time chicken/duck owner here.

PS- I'm posting on my computer not my phone so I don't have pictures to post but the ducks are a Pekin and black runner duck and the chickens are RIR, BO, and White Leghorns.

 

[Folly's place]

Generally chickens and ducks aren't best cooped together, their needs are too different.
Ducks need deep water and food dishes, and a pool is nice for them, and generally they make a wet mess where they live.
Chickens need dry bedding and no swimming pool.
Your chickens are defending their turf from interlopers, which is pretty normal, and hatchery RIRs tend to be more aggressive than many other breeds.
Also, ALWAYS have more than one waterer and feeder available, in separate locations, so everyone gets to eat and drink as they need.Do you have the right feed for your chicks and ducklings? Duckies have special needs that have to be met, make sure your feed is fresh and correct for all of them.
Separate coops would definitely be best, and then they can free range together. More ducklings will make things worse, unless you fix this coop situation.
Mary

 

[homesteadhaley]

Generally chickens and ducks aren't best cooped together, their needs are too different.
Ducks need deep water and food dishes, and a pool is nice for them, and generally they make a wet mess where they live.
Chickens need dry bedding and no swimming pool.
Your chickens are defending their turf from interlopers, which is pretty normal, and hatchery RIRs tend to be more aggressive than many other breeds.
Also, ALWAYS have more than one waterer and feeder available, in separate locations, so everyone gets to eat and drink as they need.Do you have the right feed for your chicks and ducklings? Duckies have special needs that have to be met, make sure your feed is fresh and correct for all of them.
Separate coops would definitely be best, and then they can free . fix this coop situation.
Mary

Hi Mary,

Thank you! Very helpful information! I have 2 waterers and 2 feeders available with the right feed (I asked for help at the feed store after getting the ducks). I have an enclosed run and an open fenced in run that we just put up. I was thinking of putting the ducks in the open fenced run so everyone has their own space for a little.

I have a pool in the open fenced in run that they are reluctant to use, may just need more time though! Thanks again!!!