Unsecure chicken perches

[Jimbob]

I've just managed to persuade the OH that we ought to add a couple of chickens to our existing flock of x2 Muscovy ducks, x1 Campbell duck and a trio of MSA's. The ducks all sleep in a converted 4' x 4' shed and they have a run area of 11m x 2.5m. They will also have access to an average sized garden when the grass has grown back

 

Do you think this area is big enough for the ducks currently on it and do you think I could comfortably add a couple of chickens. I want a breed that are quite docile and child friendly. I was thinking of rhode island reds, australorps or new hampshires. I presume I would need to house them seperately.

 

If anyone has got any advice on the above or keeping ducks with chickens in general I'm all ears.

 

Thanks,

 

James

[wuckyduckspenno]

Hi Jimbob,

 

Sounds like a nice set up for your duckies.

 

In terms of space I think you have enough - experts on this forum have stated that 1-2 sq m is sufficient per bird so you appear to have more than plenty to add some chickens to.

 

My Dad has 2 x Aylesbury 2 x Rouen and 2 x Khaki Campbells as well as 5 hens and they get on very well and all sleep together - the hens go in first and roost and the ducks sit underneath avoiding the hen's gifts from above!

 

He bought a hen at the weekend while visiting us and our ducks were quite happy to say hello when we looked after it until the drove home.

 

In terms of breed I know nothing about hen breeds so hopefully someone else can give you some pointers - or perhaps post a note on the hen forum?

 

Good luck

 

Wucky

[Jimbob]

Hi Wucky,

 

Thanks very much for your reply.

 

Thats the answer I was hoping for. Took me ages to persuade the OH that chickens were a good idea as well

 

Think I'll have to act quick before she changes her mind

 

On another note are your dads aylesburys very noisy. I saw some a few weeks ago and loved them but I read they have quite a loud quack. We are surrounded by neighbours so didn't want to risk annoying them too much.

 

Cheers,

 

James

[wuckyduckspenno]

Hi Jimbob,

 

The Aylesbury's were fairly quiet whilst he had only them and the Khaki Campbells but since the addition of the Rouen's there has been competitive quacking - however, this is only when they see people and are expecting food and is not continuous. Could be worse - he could have call ducks too

 

You may be ok if your girls are not that noisy at present. The hens will also keep the ducks in order with a quick peck and ensure they always go to bed together

 

Wish i had the room you have - my hubby is open to a further couple of black east indian youngsters next year and they are beautiful and fairly quiet so I am told - although ChickenBark will let you know as he has 3 nippers at the mo

 

Wucky

[wuckyduckspenno]

Jimbob,

 

Spoke to my Dad last night and he has advised his Aylesbury's are quieter than his KCs and are still quiet even with the addition of the Rouens (it is his KCs that got more noisy!) and again only when wanting to come out/be fed - so hopefully this will give you the green light to go get those girls!

 

Wucky

[chicken bark]

On the 'loudness of quacking front' my Cayuga's are really quiet. I'd quite like them to quack more!

 

They have been free ranging with my hens for the past few days and all seem to be going well. The hens seem to be the bosses though. My ducks and hens have separate accommodation but I'd not object if they wanted to bunk up together.

 

Good luck with it.