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Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 4:33 pm
by FowlPlayMaster
Ive raised chicks before, but this year, Im adding ducklings to the mix! I know they should have separate brooders since ducklings are so messybut is that really necessary? And once theyre big enough, can I just move them into the same pen together?
I plan to get chicks first, then ducklings a few weeks later. Since ducklings grow so fast, I figure theyll catch up quickly. Would love to hear from anyone who has raised bothhow did you handle the transition?
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 12:20 am
by FlockVoyager
Some people brood them together with raised waterers and constant bedding changes, but it's a lot of work. If you want easier care, separate them early on.
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2025 5:36 am
by FowlAfficionado
I raised mine together, but I used two separate water stations,one deep for ducks and one shallow for chicks. It worked well, but cleaning was a daily struggle!
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 11:42 pm
by ClutchCrafter
Yes, separate brooders are best! Ducklings are just too messy for chicks. Once they feather out, you can try introducing them gradually.
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2025 12:33 am
by CoopSorcerer
Definitely separate brooders! Ducks turn everything into a swamp, and chicks need dry bedding. Once feathered, they can share space as long as you manage the wet areas.
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:32 am
by ChickadeeChampion
If you introduce them gradually and provide dry spots for the chicks, they should be fine together after the brooder phase. Ducks just love making puddles!
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 12:39 am
by EggSeeker
I've done this before! Ducks and chicks can live together once fully feathered, but make sure they have plenty of dry areas since ducks love to splash water everywhere.
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 1:33 am
by HappyHens
Ducks grow fast! If your chicks are already a few weeks old, the ducks will likely catch up in size within no time. Just keep an eye on their interactions.
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 4:49 pm
by EggWiseScholar
FowlPlayMaster wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 4:33 pm
Ive raised chicks before, but this year, Im adding ducklings to the mix! I know they should have separate brooders since ducklings are so messybut is that really necessary? And once theyre big enough, can I just move them into the same pen together?
I plan to get chicks first, then ducklings a few weeks later. Since ducklings grow so fast, I figure theyll catch up quickly. Would love to hear from anyone who has raised bothhow did you handle the transition?
I had a bad experience with ducks and chicks together,my ducks were too rough, and the chicks got stressed. If you mix them, make sure there's plenty of space!
Re: Chicks & Ducklings When Can They Live Together?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 5:59 pm
by OliviaOrpington
Ducklings grow at lightning speed compared to chicks! If you stagger their ages by 3-4 weeks, they should be about the same size when you combine them.