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After a few years of keeping and caring for backyard chickens, you may find yourself wanting to branch out and add a few different breeds to the mix. Integrating waterfowl such as ducks and geese with your backyard chickens can enrich your poultry experience, bringing diversity and new dynamics to your flock. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but you have to be prepared. These animals have unique needs that will need to be met to ensure a harmonious coexistence. Let’s take a closer look at how you can prepare to bring home waterfowl:
Understand the Basic Needs of Waterfowl
One of the biggest differences between raising chickens and waterfowl is that you’ll need a lot more water. They need it for drinking, of course, but also bathing and preening, which are essential for maintaining their health and the waterproof quality of their features. You’ll need a pond or a sizable water container that can be kept clean and filled with fresh water. This will double as a great way to keep them cool on a hot day.
Consider the Housing Requirements
While ducks and geese are generally hardier than chickens, they still need protection from predators and harsh elements. They prefer ground-level housing, as they do not roost. Their shelter will need to be spacious enough to accommodate their size, with proper bedding to keep them warm and comfortable during the colder months. It will be beneficial to you if the shelter is clean since waterfowl can be quite messy.
Manage Their Dietary Differences
Ducks and geese will need feed that is richer in niacin than typical chicken feed, since it helps support their bone health and development. While they will be fine with general poultry feed, you can ensure they get even more nutrients with greens and additional grains like corn and peas. Be sure to add grit to their feed to aid in digestion.
Plan for Water and Mud Management
While waterfowl are a delight to have around, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll have to manage the mess they create with their water activity. To avoid having too much mud, position their water sources in an area that facilitates easy drainage. Use materials like sand and straw around the water areas to help absorb excess moisture and maintain cleanliness.
Consider the Health Care
Like any animal, waterfowl are susceptible to certain disease and health issues. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your ducks and geese for signs of illness. These may take the form of changes in activity level or appetite. Maintaining a clean living environment is another great way to prevent the spread of diseases. Pay particular attention to foot health, as waterfowl are prone to issues like bumblefoot from standing on hard or uneven surfaces.
Integrate Socially with Chickens
It’s important to carefully monitor the introduction of your waterfowl to your chicken flock. Ducks will generally get along with chickens, but geese can be more territorial and may need more supervision to integrate smoothly. You’ll need to provide enough space for all birds to interact without overcrowding.
Adding waterfowl to your backyard flock is a wonderful way to diversify your home poultry experience. Sure, they’ll provide you with different types of eggs, but they’ll also add character and vibrancy to your yard.
If you’re looking to explore the rewarding challenge of raising waterfowl, Chickens for Backyards is here to help. With more 100 breeds of ducks, geese, and other poultry, we’re sure to have a breed you’ll be interested in. Contact us to get started today!
