🦆❗ Ducks & Chickens Can Live Together... But at What Cost?

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Can Chickens and Ducks Live Together? (Pros & Cons) 🐓🦆

4. Personal Development: Bouncing Back from Setbacks 💚

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY

What’s your top garden task this winter?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Planning next season’s crops

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Composting and soil improvement

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Organizing seeds and tools

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Building or repairing garden beds

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Researching companion planting strategies

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Can Chickens and Ducks Live Together? (Pros & Cons) 🐓🦆

Ever wondered if chickens and ducks can share the same living space? It’s a common question for backyard farmers looking to raise diverse poultry. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and tips for managing a mixed flock so your coop can be a peaceful and productive place.

Can Chickens and Ducks Coexist?

Yes, chickens and ducks can live together, but it’s not as simple as throwing them into the same space. Both birds have similar dietary needs and love foraging, but they also have key differences that require extra care.

For example:

• Ducks love water. They need a place to splash and clean themselves.

• Chickens prefer dry ground. Too much water can make them unhappy and even lead to health issues.

The good news is they can complement each other. Ducks dig deep for bugs while foraging, which often uncovers treats for chickens. But keeping the peace means meeting their separate needs for housing, feeding, and socializing.

Do Chickens and Ducks Get Along?

For the most part, yes! Chickens and ducks usually ignore each other and focus on their own groups. Occasionally, there might be a bit of squabbling as they sort out their pecking order, but with enough space and resources, they settle down quickly.

The Pros of Raising Chickens and Ducks Together

• Chickens provide eggs and meat, while ducks lay rich, flavorful eggs and offer meat as well.

• Together, they can reduce pests like bugs and grubs more effectively.

• If space is tight, raising both birds can maximize the use of your yard or garden.

• Both species can eat the same unmedicated feed and share basic shelter.

• Let’s be honest, watching ducks splash around and chickens scratch the dirt is pure entertainment!

The Cons of Raising Chickens and Ducks Together

• Ducks love water and will make a mess of water sources, which can frustrate your chickens.

• Close quarters mean a higher chance of spreading diseases between species.

• Male ducks (drakes) might try to mate with chickens, which can harm or stress the hens.

• Ducks’ water habits can create hygiene issues, so you’ll need to clean more often.

• While they can share an area, each species needs enough room to avoid stress and aggression.

How to Raise Chickens and Ducks Together

1. Provide the Right Housing

• Separate Zones: Create a coop with a dry space for chickens and a damp area for ducks.

• Roosting vs. Ground-Nesting: Chickens need perches to sleep on, while ducks are ground-nesters and prefer low, cozy spots.

• Outdoor Space: Give chickens 8–15 square feet per bird and ducks at least 10 square feet each. The more space, the better for keeping everyone happy.

2. Feed Them Properly

• Shared Feed: Adult chickens and ducks can eat the same unmedicated poultry feed.

• Duckling Needs: Ducklings require extra niacin for healthy growth. Sprinkle brewer’s yeast on their feed to meet this need.

• Foraging: Both species love free-ranging and finding their own food like bugs and weeds. It’s good exercise and cuts down on feed costs.

3. Keep It Clean

Ducks are naturally messier than chickens, especially around water. To keep both healthy:

• Provide separate water sources to keep the coop dry.

• Clean bedding and water daily to reduce bacteria.

• Use sand or gravel in outdoor areas to improve drainage.

4. Monitor Behavior

• Watch for Bullying: Chickens are usually more aggressive and may pick on ducks if resources are limited.

• Prevent Overcrowding: Ensure there’s plenty of space to avoid stress and conflict.

• Introduce Slowly: Let chickens and ducks see each other through a fence for a few days before mixing them together.

Bonus: Introducing Ducks and Chickens

Follow these steps to make introductions smooth:

1. Quarantine: Keep new ducks or chickens separate for a few weeks to ensure they’re healthy.

2. Adjacent Pens: Let them see and hear each other through a fence for a few days.

3. Short Meetups: Supervise short periods of direct interaction.

4. Neutral Ground: Introduce them in a neutral space to avoid territorial behavior.

5. Monitor: Keep a close eye on their behavior and be ready to separate them if needed.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bouncing Back from Setbacks 💚

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? Whether it’s a sudden crop failure, an unexpected expense, or even just a rough day, setbacks are part of the journey, especially for homesteaders. But the good news is, resilience can help you recover and even grow from these challenges.

Why Resilience Matters

For homesteaders, resilience means staying calm when a storm wipes out your garden or when your chickens stop laying eggs for reasons you can’t quite figure out.

When you’re resilient:

• You see setbacks as temporary.

• You handle stress more effectively.

• You find creative ways to move forward.

Creating a Resilience Plan

A great way to prepare for tough times is by having a Resilience Plan. Think of it as your go-to guide for handling challenges when they arise.

Here’s how to create one:

1. Identify Common Challenges

   • What are the biggest issues you face? (e.g., weather problems, equipment failures, or feeling overwhelmed.)

   • Write these down so you’re ready when they pop up.

2. List Your Coping Tools

   • What helps you stay calm and grounded? Examples:

     • Journaling to process feelings.

     • Taking a walk to clear your head.

     • Listening to music that lifts your mood.

3. Set Small Goals

   • Break big problems into smaller steps. For example:

     • If you lose a crop, start by salvaging what you can.

     • Plan how to replant or make up for the loss.

4. Plan for Support

   • Who can you call or ask for help? Keep a list of contacts or groups you trust.

5. Focus on Lessons Learned

   • After a setback, write down one thing you’ve learned and how it will help you in the future.

Homesteading Tie-In: Adapting to Challenges

Homesteaders know all too well that the unexpected happens: freak weather, stubborn livestock, or equipment breaking down at the worst time. The key is to adapt and focus on what you can control.

For instance:

• Weather Woes: If heavy rain washes out your garden, think about raised beds or better drainage for next season.

• Animal Health Issues: If a chicken falls ill, research preventative measures and build a stronger flock for the future.

Note: Every setback is an opportunity to refine your skills and systems.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

Why did the scarecrow join a gym in January?

To keep his figure straw-ng!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. If you’re just starting out with gardening, here’s a little heads-up on what you’re signing up for:

@gardenary

I can laugh now because it’s not summer 😂🥲 This week, we’re sharing our most viral posts from 2024 and this was definitely top of the list... See more

2. Just some turkeys strutting around, looking like baby dinosaurs, half hidden in the grass. 😂

@homesteadingwithjesso

They are vibing . . #homestead #homesteading #farmthings #dayinmylife #animals #funny #familyhomestead #humour #farmlifestyle #outdoors #... See more

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