lozboz Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Before i start to research more into ducks as pets just wondering if they ruin the grass the same as chickens do? If so would 2 or 3 ducks be able to free range with 3 chickens or is this not advisable. They would have seperate houses but would have to free range with my hens x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 Sounds ideal set up as they can eat same pellets etc and they dont scratch at all like chickens but dabble in the grass sort of mooch around in it with their bills looking for grubs. They dont excavate but do require water, they do very sticky poop. I had domestic ducks and then chickens.Chickens are so easy to look after in comparison. Ducks do need water and need to be ushered or herded in at night , they dont put themselves to bed(or v rarely)! They are messy & will pollute water very fast. I have just acquired some mallards from a lady that keeps chickens and the ducks drove her nuts(they attacked her cockerels and bullied everything in her run. It was a large area with trees etc. I dont know if it was because she had 3 males and 1 female....they all get on well). The ducks are in my garden and I only had them to save them from the pot! But I am letting them go back wild. But someone else ie Lesley keeps both I think so hope she will be on soon or someone out there. Oh the eggs are very nice for cakes etc but no good for meringues! Very sweet ducks are though indie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 not an expert by a million miles and im sure there will be one along soon but my experience so far is.... i have a mallard and an aylesbury. i thought they were both girls but have turned out to be boys they free range and havent ruined the garden yet, but i have heard a lot of people commenting on the mess they make. they do a lot of poops and seem delighted if they can get up on the decking to leave me a message which i can only get rid of with the pressure washer mine freerange with the chickens, HOWEVER i have received posts on here advising me to be careful as ducks can get bossy and amourous with the chickens. i have a cockerel whom im sure would put pay to any funny business and he definately is king pin even over the big aylesbury who is twice his size, but i have to say that luckily they all hang out together and so far have got on fine. i have also read that if ducks make n area very wet it can be detrimental to the health of the chickens. i love my chickens to bits but i have to say there is something so funny about ducks. they are such comedians and seem to have an almost playful nature. mine are so friendly which offsets the mess they make in my opinion. good luck with your choice and hope you have a great experience of these fantastic creatures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozboz Posted September 15, 2009 Author Share Posted September 15, 2009 thanks for your replys. Im still undiced what to do, would still have to do a lot more research and talk the hubby round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
