Ducks kept with Chickens and other questions

[Boba the Silkie Chicken]

Hello! I'm looking into getting ducks and am wondering if keeping them with my chickens is possible. I've already looked into it and know that people have done it but I'd like to know other peoples experiences with this. I already know not to keep male ducks with female chickens.

I also read somewhere that you have to have three ducks minimum. Is that true?

 

[nuthatched]

Yes, they're flock animals.

 

[WhiskeyTheRedd]

drakes can be bad news with the Chicken hens but if your ABLE to make an area to keep them separated if you NEED TO, iid advise it. My drakes were not nice to my chickie girls last year so we had to build them their own space. Ended up eating them both anyway, but it was worth it. The injuries that they can give chickens are pretty bad sometimes. Just be careful and it would be fine!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

also read somewhere that you have to have three ducks minimum. Is that true?

I think it's a good idea to have at least three so that if one duck dies or a predator gets one, you don't end up with a "lonely only" while you makr arrangements to replace the lost one. It's very stressful to have a single duck.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Be aware that ducks are not as like chickens as some expect. They love water and mud all the time and need water deep enough to put their whole bill in. So, chicken water nipples will not be good for them. Their water stays clean for about 10 seconds before they drop food and dirt in it. Any mud which forms will be turned into a hole asap. Ducks rarely put themselves to bed on their own. They can be herded pretty easily though. They do not like to climb ramps or go up into a coop. They prefer the ground floor apartments. So, if these things match your expectations, go for it. They are wonderful!