Do chicks pick on ducklings?

[Lilly Cohn]

My husband and I want to raise a small backyard flock: 4 chicks and 2 ducklings. The ducklings arrive on August 11th and will be 2 days old. We have the option of purchasing day old chicks from our local farm store either the weekend before the ducklings arrive or the Friday after they arrive. I have heard that chicks may pick on ducklings if they are a slightly older and settled in. Does anyone have experience with this? Would it be better to wait until the Friday after our ducklings arrive?

 

[Alexandra33]

When I put my young ducklings out in the coop with the 3 month old chickens, my initial thought was that the pullets would automatically pick on the newcomers. However, I was extremely surprised when the much smaller ducks chased off their attackers aggressively. It was the same scenario for the next batch of ducklings that came four months later. Although there were 24 menacing chickens and 6 big, mean ducks to contend with, the little ones held their own and incited fear into every creature in the coop. Nobody would dare walk within several feet of them to avoid being jumped on viciously and bitten. I guess it all depends on the duck, but none of mine have ever been bullied. If you do in fact notice this going on, though, you might want to separate them to evade problems. Best wishes with your babies!

-Alexandra33

 

[Going Quackers]

I DO NOT like chicks with ducklings, tried it for a few days ONCE chick peck and their go the eyes on ducklings. They simply don't fight the same.

As they grow i do have some chickens that mingle with my ducks, it seems to be more tolerable when everyone is capable of defending themselves as mature individuals, but i have had to step in the odd time to chill back a disagreement.. mainly the chickens being peck happy because that is how they handle things, ducks grab with their bills... much less damage done...

Always exceptions, best practice always be prepared to back up your original plans... good luck!

 

[tmarr]

I have two Pekins, two battery hens and a rabbit all living together. It took a while for everyone to settle and I keep the hens separate at night to give the others a break. They do enjoy each other's company now, especially the rabbit!!

 

[tmarr]

Forgot the pigeon as well lol!!