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[ChrisEllis]

Hi, Im thinking of getting some indian runners next year, i have some land that they will be on and share with my six chickens the land is about 100m2+ and i was tihnking of getting four indian runners for it - can someone help me with what i need - i was looking on digging a small 1x1.5m 2 ft deep pond or something - but will it get horrible and mucky - i want it looking neat so was wondering if i should just get a huge tub and dig it into the ground and jus fill it with water? also wher do they sleep? in a hed- would appreciate if anyone has some pics of their runners and their housing etc

[tom123]

Well, My ducks (including runners) sleep in a 4ft x 4ft house with a large door for cleaning and access for the ducks. This is on a couple of breezeblocks and has a full width ramp.

 

 

 

 

Honestly I would not keep ducks with hens due to the pond. Especially as you have polish bantams and silkies where deep water is a big no no. If I was you I would divide the area in 2 and keep them separate.

 

I would either build a proper pond with a filter (one that can take the bits) and it needs to be quite big for 4 runners. Or you could just have a couple of kids sand pits and empty them out daily.

 

Remember you HAVE to be there when it gets dark with ducks as they generally don't go to bed on their own, you have to herd them.

 

 

 

Good Luck

Tom

[ChrisEllis]

ohh it sounds more comklicated than i thught - i dont really wanna seperat - i heard that runners are quite happy with a small little pond 1 ft deep pond ?

[tom123]

Well people say that they don't need water BUT they want water! Give them as much as you can and they will be happy.

 

I wouldn't risk keeping them together as I would be worried about the polish falling in due to their lack of vision, and if they do or the silkies do then they will catch a cold or drown.

 

Tom

[ChrisEllis]

ok, may have to rethink my ideas would be a shame to not be able to get sme runner ducks

 

what i could do is put the pond in the opposite corner to the hen house and sort of either get a low 2ft picket fence and corner off the pond so the polands wouldnt really have the need to jump over but the runners can walk round the side - i might do that but leave the pond without water and see if the polands still venture there - maybe test it for a month as just being a foot deep pond - with no water

[tom123]

Mmm....

 

I wouldn't risk it, Polands are pretty good at flying and why couldn't they just go round like the ducks?

 

If you really want ducks and you want to keep both safely and happily then you will have to separate the run.

 

Tom

[ChrisEllis]

yes you have got a point there - fair enogh i'll seperate them

[debbie26pet]

i have 4 runners kept with my chickens and now have there own house, but still try to sleep with the chickens.

i have a childs paddling/sand pit, and all 4 ducks sit in it and are comfortable u can swatch them ducking and splashing etc.

 

i dont have polish but have a silki and the nearest they go near water is the side for a dip of water even though they have fresh water in the covered run etc they love the duck water.

im loving every min of them and i find them very funny to watch.

yes they can be a bit mucky bit if u keep on top and clean them its grt i love being out wiht them.

[ChrisEllis]

i have 4 runners kept with my chickens and now have there own house, but still try to sleep with the chickens.

i have a childs paddling/sand pit, and all 4 ducks sit in it and are comfortable u can swatch them ducking and splashing etc.

 

i dont have polish but have a silki and the nearest they go near water is the side for a dip of water even though they have fresh water in the covered run etc they love the duck water.

im loving every min of them and i find them very funny to watch.

yes they can be a bit mucky bit if u keep on top and clean them its grt i love being out wiht them.

 

sounds excellent i have decided not to seperate as i know someone who doesnt aswell - the pond wont be very deep at all so the worst a pland will do is jump in and jump in a be ale to jump back out again - not doing it again! plus they get wet from the rain aswell so it shuldnt be too bad my friend says his havent gone near the water

[Chunky_Monkey]

Please listen to everyone else as well - they only want to help and a lot of these people are experts and they know what they're talking about! I'm no expert about ducks, but I agree with Tom and I don't think hens and ducks should be kept together, especially with the breeds you have. It could be dangerous for the hens and if you want what's best for them, I would keep them seperate. If you only had a very shallow pond, then it wouldn't be as good for the ducks as it could be, and if it was too deep you could lose some of your hens. I have a small pond (about 18inches at the deepest) and we have to keep it covered up at all times. I couldn't risk it with my hens at all because they mean to much to me.

 

Take the time to think about it and decide whether you have the time, space and knowledge to look after all these animals. Listen to the experts of here who have kepts both chickens, ducks and quail for years. Think of the animals welfare before you make any quick decisions and I hope you make the best decision possible.

[debbie26pet]

Please listen to everyone else as well - they only want to help and a lot of these people are experts and they know what they're talking about! I'm no expert about ducks, but I agree with Tom and I don't think hens and ducks should be kept together, especially with the breeds you have. It could be dangerous for the hens and if you want what's best for them, I would keep them seperate. If you only had a very shallow pond, then it wouldn't be as good for the ducks as it could be, and if it was too deep you could lose some of your hens. I have a small pond (about 18inches at the deepest) and we have to keep it covered up at all times. I couldn't risk it with my hens at all because they mean to much to me.

 

Take the time to think about it and decide whether you have the time, space and knowledge to look after all these animals. Listen to the experts of here who have kepts both chickens, ducks and quail for years. Think of the animals welfare before you make any quick decisions and I hope you make the best decision possible.

 

 

 

ok, i may be easily offended but i felt a little of when you said the last bit of your comments,

i take that i dont respect my animals or there welfare, at the end of the day i was only saying how i have found my lot, everyone can have good ways and bad ways in everything, at end of day my lot are happy and ive been lucky i hope it is only early days but i feel its going well and all seem happy, if i had the room space and other safety reasons i would liek a shot have a pond.

[Chunky_Monkey]

ok, i may be easily offended but i felt a little of when you said the last bit of your comments,

i take that i dont respect my animals or there welfare, at the end of the day i was only saying how i have found my lot, everyone can have good ways and bad ways in everything, at end of day my lot are happy and ive been lucky i hope it is only early days but i feel its going well and all seem happy, if i had the room space and other safety reasons i would liek a shot have a pond.

 

I didn't mean to offend you. I was directing my message at Chris and not yourself. I'm glad it has worked out for you, but the general opinion is that it doesn't work out. My concern is for Chris's birds, but well done for making it work.

[debbie26pet]

ok, i may be easily offended but i felt a little of when you said the last bit of your comments,

i take that i dont respect my animals or there welfare, at the end of the day i was only saying how i have found my lot, everyone can have good ways and bad ways in everything, at end of day my lot are happy and ive been lucky i hope it is only early days but i feel its going well and all seem happy, if i had the room space and other safety reasons i would liek a shot have a pond.

 

I didn't mean to offend you. I was directing my message at Chris and not yourself. I'm glad it has worked out for you, but the general opinion is that it doesn't work out. My concern is for Chris's birds, but well done for making it work.

 

 

 

its ok, mine still could go wrong any day and being at home i can moniture it all first chance of problems etc i would split, but i know of others who have them together and just night house differently, and they had no problems but thats not saying chris could have it as easy. i think what ever happens you have to be cautious in lots of areas.

[Guest]

Ok my own perspective.

 

In the ideal world most animals prefer to be with their own type.

 

But people do successfully keep chickens and ducks together as long as they are aware their needs are quite different and have to keep a good balance.

 

If I was keeping both mixed in an enclosed area just to be aware that a great big deep pond is not really necessary anyway for ducks. Ideal but not necessary. As long as ducks have water to put their heads under(not for swimming), it is essential they have access to dip their heads in. A shallow easy to tip out container is fine(one that a chicken cant drown in)

 

So if I was keeping both I would have shallow water if they were confined to a run.

 

Re housing ducks do not roost and sleep on the ground. So as long as the sleeping quarters are planned well.

 

Saying all that my neighbour keeps geese ducks chickens peacocks the lot and they all live in a big shed together and she has a huge pond. During the day they all do their own thing ie ducks on pond and chickens scratching in the fields.

 

Toms advice is spot on,just please bear in mind the needs of ducks I think are a lot more time consuming than chickens(ie they dont usually put themselves to bed easily to roost)

 

Good luck let us know what you decide, and ducks are really adorable. Indie oh sorry some ornamental ducks do sleep in trees, I am referring to domestic ones!

[Guest]

Well, My ducks (including runners) sleep in a 4ft x 4ft house with a large door for cleaning and access for the ducks. This is on a couple of breezeblocks and has a full width ramp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Luck

Tom

 

 

tom these are very lucky ducks and they are great pictures..congratulations brilliant set up

[tom123]

I agree.

 

Most hens will probably avoid water however Polands have very limited eye sight and are quite dim so the chances of them falling in are very big! Even if the water is only 6 inches deep they could still drown very easily as polands are tiny and as soon they get there feathers wet they will get heavy. Even if you do rescue them then they will probably die of the cold as polands have very thin skulls and are at risk to getting colds easily.

 

It's entirely up to you what you do but in my opinion, it would be selfish to do whats best for you not your birds.

 

Tom

[Guest]

oh Tom I had no idea how stupid Polands are, must be all that head gear they carry (if I am thinking of the right breed)

 

Perhaps get some more robust chickens instead, as there are other very good looking birds around.

 

Today I really wish I had my camera as my speckledy went to investigate on her own all the wild mallards who were sitting on the grass, she strolled through them all and had a little look at them and came back down to join the others...I wish I had my camera. It was like "who are you"?

 

 

Funny lot(not sure if its us or them that are funny sometimes)!

 

indie

[tom123]

Yes, they aren't the brightest of chickens. I think Chris has already hatched some?

 

Lovely

 

Tom

[ChrisEllis]

Yes, they aren't the brightest of chickens. I think Chris has already hatched some?

 

Lovely

 

Tom

 

Yes i have hatched some - did you say polands are bright!?

[tom123]