4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Chris C]

Hello!

 

I'm after a bit of advice we currently have 4 chickens we keep them in their Eglu and let them out all day in a area penned off with 50m of netting. We have been offered a couple of ducklings by our neighbour, I know nothing about ducks there small white ones (well mom and dad are!).

 

Will the ducks ok to be left in the netted area with the chickens all day? Will they all get on ok after the initial spats? I'll probably build them a house for now (and save up for another eglu). What about if one of the Ducks is male will he try it on with my chickens? I would rather have 2 female ducks is there an easy way to sex them when there young? they are only a week or so old at the moment at what age would you recommend separating them from mom and dad to their new home?

 

Also will they need any jabs?

 

Help!

[Lesley]

Hello!

You would be better with two ducks if you can - but ducks are difficult to sex until quite late - the drakes develop curled tail feathers.

 

You would need to keep them separate until the ducks are big enough to hold their own against the hens - you wouldn't be able to put ducklings in with hens.

[Chris C]

Thanks

 

Were having 2 ducks definitely, how old do you think they would need to be before they can freerange together with the hens? the mom and dad seem quite small anyhow at fully grown I don't know what breed they are but they're small and white.

[Lesley]

hmmmmm probably around 10 weeks then - but you would have to watch carefully to see how they get on.

 

I'm hoping some of the others will be able to help you as well - perhaps someone else will be able to answer?

[Lesley]

Anyone else got any advice for Chris?