Hello from Mexico

Ioh

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Hi everyone! I recently rescued a ducking and two chickens from a children’s party!
The duck seems to be ok but the chickens are quite weak. They’re too young!
I already have two chickens who are my feathered princesses.
Anyone has ever had chickens and ducks together? Because I don’t wanna give up the duck... but I need to be sure he’s gonna be ok living among chickens. Any help will be highly appreciated.
 

DarrenP

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Hi, and welcome.
I'm pretty sure ducks and chickens don't get along. Are your chickens in a fenced off area? If so, can the duck live in another part of your garden? Unlike chickens, ducks won't destroy your plants; you only need to provide a bathing area for them.
 

Ioh

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Hi, and welcome.
I'm pretty sure ducks and chickens don't get along. Are your chickens in a fenced off area? If so, can the duck live in another part of your garden? Unlike chickens, ducks won't destroy your plants; you only need to provide a bathing area for them.
Darren
I appreciate your comments. They’re free! They only have their coop so they can sleep protected. I have a fountain in the garden the duck may use as his personal tiny lake. I’m glad to read ducks don’t destroy plants. I’m looking forward they can be friends
 

ClissAT

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Hi Loh & welcome.

When you put your feathered friends to bed each night make sure the duck & the chickens are in separate coops.
If its a male duck he will try to kill the chickens as he matures into a drake!
If your fountain is a working fountain, the duck might pollute the water so much the pump fails.
In anycase the water will need changing at least weekly because ducks poop in the water.
Its the main reason they need a water bath, so they can poop in water!
 

Ioh

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Omg! I hope the duck is a girl though! Thank you for the tips. I just wanna make sure everyone is safe and happy. I have notice the chickens don’t mind the duck around. The three of them are young so, my expectations are high on everyone getting along fine! It breaks my heart the duck looks for his mom all the time. I think he/she has adopted me already but I really feel sad ge cries at night when I put him/her to sleep alone. I’ve been doing the separate coops already so the chickens won’t harm the tiny duckling.
Thank you for your answer!
Best regards
Hi Loh & welcome.

When you put your feathered friends to bed each night make sure the duck & the chickens are in separate coops.
If its a male duck he will try to kill the chickens as he matures into a drake!
If your fountain is a working fountain, the duck might pollute the water so much the pump fails.
In anycase the water will need changing at least weekly because ducks poop in the water.
Its the main reason they need a water bath, so they can poop in water!
 

ClissAT

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You will soon know if it is male or female when it gets its proper feathers.
If male there will be a curled feather at the top of its tail.

Have a look at this quick video:-

Yes your little duck is probably lonely. Such a pity it doesn't have another duck for company.
What is the temperature in your area at night time, Loh?

Perhaps the duckling is cold because it is on its own at night?
 

Ioh

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I think he’s lonely... I put a bottle of warm water inside so the temperature is ok although Mexico is not cold at all.
I’m gonn sleep with him tonight because he is quiet and happy if there is someone beside him.
Thank you for your time and your replies.
 

Mark

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Hi @Ioh thanks for joining SSC :)

I do keep ducks and chickens together in the same pen - always have...

However, I do give them separate areas eg a duck pond/dam and internal waterers - not separated by any fence but they tend to keep out of each others way. I have placed our chicken drinkers up higher on bricks so the ducks can't access them but overall I've never had a problem keeping ducks and chickens together.
 

Ioh

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Hi Mark! Youre answer seems to be the light at the end of the tunnel!
I hope they end up getting along well... the duckling is too small now and the chickens chase him so I have to be there all the time when they’re together. I’m giving them time to meet but i think my feathered princesses are already spoiled girls who are having a hard time admitting a new sibling!
The coop is two stories so the duck may be at the ground floor and chickens first floor, so to say.
I found this funny because my cats don’t have any problems with the chickens nor the duckling. I’m surprised the chickens do! LOL
Thank you for your answer!
 

Ioh

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The duck wasn’t accepted very well... my chickens didn’t stop chasing him all the time so a friend came to the rescue!
My friend has 13 chicks the same age of the tiny duckling and those 13 babies turned out to be much more inclusive and comprehensive to the duckling. So now, he’s sharing everything with the little chicks.
I don’t know if it would be good when he becomes an adult to bring him to a lake full of ducks... you think they’ll accept him? If he thinks he’s a chick?
Thank you Mark
 

Mark

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Yeah, I wouldn't be mixing ducklings with fully grown chickens unless they have parent ducks looking after them.

There's always a risk of isolation and bullying when you introduce one bird into a flock. I generally introduce new birds in pairs (that know each other) at least or more and that way they can hang together.

Even different coloured quail from the same batch will often hang together in colour groups.

Having said that, many farms, acreages, properties, keep mixed birds of ducks, chickens, geese etc and as long as the area is big enough they tend to learn how to live together without too many problems.
 
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