Secrets to Raising Ducks with Chickens Together That You Never Knew!

Dreaming of a backyard filled with fluffy chickens and happy ducks? Well, it’s absolutely possible and it won’t be a bad idea either. Instead, it can significantly enhance the charm of your outdoor space! Sounds interesting, right? 

But how to raise chickens and ducks together? Chickens and ducks are different but can live together happily. Chickens scratch the ground and sleep high up, while ducks like splashing in water and eating bugs. Knowing these differences helps you make a perfect home for both together.

This guide will help you make a good home for your mixed flock. We’ll talk about building the coop, picking the right breed, feeding them well, and more!

How to Raise Chickens and Ducks Together? 11 Guides!

You may think of keeping ducks and chickens together. But do you know what’s their requirement? If not, congratulations! Here you’ll get the proper guide for keeping ducks and chickens together.

1. Ideal Housing

You can make one big house for both chickens and ducks.

Chickens like to sleep up high so make a roost area for them. Ducks need a cozy spot on the floor with lots of bedding.

Sometimes it’s better to have two houses to avoid too many birds in one place. You can have a house for chickens and another for ducks. They can share a play area.

Important Things for the Coop

Ducks are absolutely messy and make things wet because they love water. Make sure air can move through the house to keep it dry and healthy for the birds. You might need extra holes or even a fan.

Use thick bedding like straw or wood shavings. Change it often, especially where the ducks sleep, to keep things dry.

Chickens like cozy boxes to lay eggs in. Ducks prefer quiet corners on the ground. You can remove some boxes to make more room for the ducks.

Make sure there’s lots of room for all the birds to move around. Chickens need about 4 square feet each, while ducks need about 8 square feet each.

2. Choosing Right Breed

Choosing the right breed for raising chickens and ducks is also crucial.

Pick calm and friendly chicken breeds that get along well with other birds.

• Cochins: These fluffy giants are gentle and easy to get along with.
• Orpingtons: Docile and available in various beautiful colors.
• Silkies: Unique with their soft feathers and relaxed temperament.
• Turkens: Elegant and quiet, they’re a great addition to a mixed flock.

When it’s ducks, look for calm and peaceful breeds such as:

• Campbell Ducks: Small, friendly, and don’t need a big pond.
• Cayuga Ducks: Elegant with lovely black feathers and a calm nature.
• Swedish Blue Ducks: Hardy, calm, and not too noisy.
• Runner Ducks: Active yet peaceful, perfect for larger spaces.

Additional Considerations

Choose breeds that are similar in size to prevent dominance issues. Smaller chickens generally feel intimidated by much larger ducks.

Keep a balanced mix of males and females, especially with roosters. Keeping too many roosters together isn’t safe as they’ll fight with each other.

For chickens,

The recommended ratio is one rooster for every 10-12 hens. Some active breeds like Leghorns can handle a higher ratio, like 1 rooster to 15 hens.

For ducks,

Drakes (males) are not required for egg laying. For a mixed flock, aim for 1 drake for every 4-6 ducks. You can even go up to 1 drake for 8 ducks in some cases, but monitor their behavior closely.

Together the duck and chicken ratio should be 1 duck for 8 chickens.

See the video for more explanation.

But wait! Can drakes or roosters live with ducks? In short, yes, drakes (male ducks) and roosters (male chickens) can potentially live with ducks. But avoid overcrowding. Also, Try to know why the ducks are aggressive or provide separate areas within the coop.

What about baby ducks and chicks together to raise? Raising chicks and ducklings together is possible but with caution.

• Consider separate brooders due to different temperature and humidity needs.
• Watch for signs of bullying, as chicks are smaller and more vulnerable. 
• Chicks and ducklings require different food.
• Management and ample space are crucial for a harmonious environment.

3. Feeding and Nutrition

Wondering, “Can ducks and chickens eat the same food?” Ducks and chickens eat the same food. But it’s not ideal for their long-term health.

Both chickens and ducks are omnivores. So, they eat a mix of plant and animal-based foods. Their diets can include grains, seeds, vegetables, and insects. You might be able to offer them some treats together, like chopped fruits and vegetables.

On the flip side,

Ducks require slightly higher protein content in their diet compared to chickens. This is especially important for growing ducklings.

They also have a higher Calcium requirement for healthy bone development.

Ducks need more niacin, a B vitamin, than chickens. They are waterfowl and naturally consume more water. Their food should reflect this need.

Feeding Options

We have a comprehensive and continually expanding list of foods. Here are some examples.

• Chicken Layer Feed: This is the base for adult ducks as well.
• Duck Feed: Supplement with duck feed formulated for their specific needs, especially for ducklings. You can mix this with the chicken layer feed.
• Niacin Supplement: Consider adding a niacin supplement like brewer’s yeast to the chicken feed to meet the ducks’ needs.
• Free-ranging food options: If you have access to a large, shared area, they’ll naturally forage to get – insects, greens, and supplements like fruits or veggies.

Important Considerations

Duckling feed is different from adult duck feed. So, ensure you provide the appropriate food based on their age.

Ducks are more aggressive eaters than chickens. Monitor their feeding behavior and adjust the feeder placement or feeding times. It’s if one group is consistently bullied away from the food source.

Chickens might overeat the higher protein duck feed, leading to health problems.

4. Water Access

Fresh water is crucial for both chickens and ducks. And it’s really important to know the water needs of your poultry friends. Here’s a break down –

For Drinking Water,

Use different waterers for chickens and ducks. Chickens prefer shallow ones, while ducks like deeper ones. Ducks make a mess, so put their waterer away from the coop to keep bedding dry.

Clean and refill waterers daily, especially in hot weather.

For Swimming in Water (Ducks Only),

Ducks need a shallow pool to splash and clean their feathers.

Make sure it’s shallow enough for ducks to play but not deep enough to drown, especially for ducklings.

Keep the pool clean and away from the coop to avoid mud and mosquitoes.

Additional Tips

Put the pool in a sunny spot for warmth but provide shade too. In cold areas, keep water from freezing with heaters. Go for automatic water dispensers for convenience and constant fresh water.

Recommended Read: Water Need for Poultries

5. Keeping the Coop Clean

Keeping a clean coop is essential for both chickens and ducks. Here’s how to manage a clean environment for your feathered flock.

Deep Litter Method

This method works well for both chickens and ducks. It involves using a deep layer of absorbent bedding like wood shavings, straw, or hemp on the coop floor. Here’s how to implement it.

• Initial Setup: Lay down a thick layer (6-8 inches) of fresh bedding throughout the coop floor.
• Regular Maintenance: Spot clean daily by removing wet or soiled areas of bedding. Focus on areas where droppings accumulate heavily, especially around duck areas. I would say dropping boards plays a great role!
• Deep Cleaning: Every few months, remove most of the old bedding, leaving a thin layer behind. Add a fresh layer of new bedding on top to maintain depth.

So, why the deep litter method for ducks and chickens? The deep litter method breaks down manure and leftover food into compost over time, enriching the soil. Regular spot cleaning helps manage odors, especially important with ducks. It also keeps the coop cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Coop Ventilation

Ducks are messy and create a lot of moisture. Adequate ventilation is crucial! It prevents ammonia build-up, mold growth, and respiratory problems in your birds.

Also, ensure proper air circulation throughout the coop. Strategically placed vents or even a fan can help remove moisture and stale air.

Cleaning Feeders and Waterers

Clean and refill feeders and waterers daily to prevent feed spoilage and bacterial growth. This is especially important for shared feeders.

Once a week, thoroughly disinfect feeders and waterers with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Rinse them well before refilling.

Additional Considerations

• Clean nesting boxes regularly, especially after each clutch of eggs is laid.
• A larger coop allows for more space between droppings and reduces overall cleaning frequency.
• Practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases. Wear gloves and boots when cleaning the coop and wash them thoroughly afterward.

6. Environmental Facts

Creating a safe and comfortable environment for chickens and ducks requires thoughtful planning. Decide if you want one coop for both or separate ones. Give each bird enough space.

Chickens need high roosts and nesting boxes. Ducks lay on the floor, so fewer nesting boxes are fine.

Make a secure run with underground fencing. Ensure good drainage to avoid mud and stagnant water.

Consider adding light in winter to help chickens lay eggs. Both chickens and ducks prefer moderate temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). 

How to keep chickens and ducks warm in winter? In winter, a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°C) is generally considered acceptable for both.

Be sure they have proper air circulation in the coop. It’s to prevent heat buildup and ammonia from duck droppings. Also, seal any cracks or holes in the coop to prevent drafts.

7. Bullying in the Backyard!

There is a chance that ducks and chickens may not become friendly together.

If bullying persists, isolate the aggressor(s) temporarily in a separate enclosure. This allows the victim(s) to feel safe and reduces stress.

Ensure there are enough hiding spots and resources like feeders and waterers to minimize competition.

Boredom contributes to bullying. Offer enrichment boredom busters for chickens and ducks. For example – scattered hay bales, foraging toys, or pecking objects to keep them occupied.

If selecting a breed, Steer clear of breeds like Muscovy Ducks or Pekin Ducks. They are quite aggressive!

8. Egg Management

Collect eggs daily to prevent them from getting dirty, broken, or brooded by hens. Use separate baskets for chicken and duck eggs. 

Store eggs in a cool, dark, and humid place (ideally around 55°F (13°C) and 70% humidity).

Eggs with clean shells should be stored unwashed. However, if they are dirty, use warm water (not hot) and a mild disinfectant solution to clean them gently.

Important: Do not scrub or soak the eggs, and dry them thoroughly before storing.

Differences in Eggs

Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs. Their eggs can come in various colors, including white, green, olive, or brown, depending on the breed. Also, duck eggs have a richer and gamier flavor compared to chicken eggs.

9. Health & Disease

While chickens and ducks can coexist peacefully, preventing disease is crucial for a healthy flock.

Biosecurity measures are the foundation of preventing diseases from entering your flock in the first place. Here are some crucial practices:

• Footwear: Wear dedicated shoes or boots when entering the coop. That way you should disinfect them before entering another coop or poultry area. This helps prevent carrying diseases between different flocks.
• Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. It’s before and after handling your birds or their eggs.
• Quarantine: Always quarantine new birds for a minimum of 30 days before introducing them to the main flock. This allows you to observe them for any signs of illness.
• Visitors: Limit visitors to your coop area and have them wear clean shoes or shoe covers.
• Equipment: Clean and disinfect tools and equipment used in the coop regularly.

Prevention & Vaccination

Discuss recommended vaccinations for your chickens and ducks. It must be based on your location and the specific diseases prevalent in your area.

Common vaccinations for chickens include Mareks, Newcastle Disease, and Avian Influenza. For ducks, Duck Viral Hepatitis (DHV) and Duck Plague are some considerations.

10. Predator Safety

Raising chickens and ducks together requires a secure coop and run to deter predators. How do you protect chickens and ducks? Let’s get the guides!

• Strong Coop: Use sturdy materials like galvanized hardware cloth and bury fencing underground to stop digging predators. Cover the top with wire mesh to prevent aerial attacks.
• Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights and a low-wattage red bulb inside the coop at night. This light is invisible to birds but scares away some predators.
• Clear Surroundings: Keep the area around the coop free from tall grass and bushes that could hide predators.
• Secure Doors: Make sure all coop doors are locked tightly at night. Consider automatic door openers for extra ease.
• Guardian Animals (Optional): Some dog breeds get trained to protect your flock from predators.

Do ducks protect chickens? No, ducks aren’t reliable protectors for chickens. They might be bigger, but they’re not aggressive and will likely flee predators.

11. Training to Keep Them Together

Chickens are intelligent creatures and trained to simple commands. For example – coming to their coop when called or following a treat trail. However, extensive training isn’t necessary for a happy coexistence with ducks.

Ducks are less trainable than chickens. But can learn basic routines like associating a feeding sound with mealtime.

See the following video to learn more about raising chickens and ducks together.

What Are the Benefits of Having Ducks with Chickens?

There are several benefits to raising ducks with chickens. Here are the things to add to the list of benefits list –

1. Natural Pest Control: Ducks eat bugs that chickens might miss, helping with pest control in your garden.
2. Fertilizer: Duck droppings are good for the garden, but compost them first.
3. More Eggs: Ducks lay eggs consistently, especially in winter when chickens slow down.
4. Less Feed Waste: Ducks are efficient eaters and waste less feed.
5. Entertainment: Ducks are fun to watch with their swimming and playful behavior.
6. Eco-system Contribution: When raised together, they can contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem in your backyard or farm.

Related Articles:

• 9 Backyard Duck Coop Idea
• How To Raise Chickens With No Land

FAQs

Want to get more knowledge about raising chickens and ducks? Check out the Q&A section!

Conclusion

Bringing together chickens and ducks in your backyard will be a great adventure! By understanding their unique needs you can have happy flocks! For this, provide them with a comfortable home, nutritious food, and a clean environment.

So, whether you’re dreaming of watching them scratch and splash, take my advice included above. You’ll also get the benefits of natural pest control and abundant eggs!