Turkeys, Ducks, and Chickens, Oh MY! Can they all peacefully co-exist? I've gathered some thoughts on keeping a mixed flock and why raising chickens and ducks together is totally doable. Read on to see what I've learned over the years.

Picture this scenery: Colorful chickens pecking gracefully around, shiny white ducks playing in a water pond, and a stately turkey showing off in the background. Just postcard perfect! That's the dream, right?!

Well, don't give up on that dream, dear friend, 'cause it is possible to raise a mixed flock together! Not only does it look idyllic, but raising different fowls together has advantages such as:

-Saving you money as you only need one large coop and run.

- Require only one general type of feed with some added supplements (more on this later).

-Certain bigger fowls can protect the smaller varieties from danger.

-Beneficial to your grounds, e.g., Chickens love all sorts of insects, keeping the areas pest-free, but won't eat slugs. Whereas ducks will happily gobble down slugs. And geese are excellent grazers, keeping your grass nice and short.

Top considerations for raising chickens, ducks, and turkeys together

SPACE

For the most part, all of our birds have gotten along quite nicely and enjoy prancing about doing their own thing.

However, the most critical factors are ensuring they all have enough space and free-range time. This ensures they all get along and tolerate each other in the coop and run until I let them out daily. These are the top 2 reasons we believe our mixed flock is happy and healthy and gets along with each other.

It allows each species to "be themselves" without feeling threatened, not invading each other's space and business, and to be able to make a run for it when things get heated.

Waterfowls such as ducks and geese should have ample water space so that each specie have their own little area where they can hang out and avoid bullying. Or, you could also have more than one watering spot, so each has its own.

I would recommend not having too many ducks. They tend to be very messy and sloppy, making the coop, run, yard, and watering holes a mess. ( Trust me, I am experiencing this daily!). I would say 4 ducks and about 10 + chickens is a good mix.

COOP/RUN

Our current coop is not very large but can house plenty of hens if needed. However, the turkeys are a bit too big, and it's not ideal for them.

Turkeys tend to love being outdoors, so I have put large branches out in the run, and the turkeys love perching up there! Some of the hens also sleep outside, and since they are in an enclosed run, I do not worry at all!

As ducks and geese prefer to sleep on the floor, I always ensure there are areas with pine shavings or hay where they can nestle together. The turkeys and chickens have roosting poles or nests. If everyone has a safe space at night, they will be happy!

Ducks with their webbed feet cannot climb onto ramps, so I would advise having their nesting boxes at a floor level. And for the chickens, elevated nesting boxes with ramps.

Usually, turkeys will try to find a nesting spot outside in nature, in tall grass, or at the base of a tree. Domesticated turkeys that are caged in will nest in large nesting boxes or find a spot in the run, away from the flock.

FEED

A mixed flock can have many different dietary needs, depending on their age, lifestyle factors such as brooding, and any illnesses. But, luckily for us, most of the birds generally eat similar things, which makes it a bit easier!

An 18% protein, non-medicated chicken feed would be the best fit for your whole flock. By adding a few supplements as needed, and grit that aids in digestion, your flock would be happy, healthy, and fit.

For laying hens, offer them extra calcium in the form of crushed oyster- or eggshells. If they feel they need it, they will eat it.

If you've got baby chicks or poults (baby turkeys), they will need different protein concentrations. I.e., poults need 28% protein until 6 weeks and then 26% protein until 12 weeks. And chicks need 20% protein until 8 weeks old.

For this reason, I like to place a feeder with the correct ratios specifically for them in their vicinity at mealtimes. They usually figure out that I'll feed them special food and come running! I try to manage it as best as I can!

Ducks need niacin that’s crucial for their leg development and health. Chicken feed does not include this, so be sure to add some brewers yeast to your feed if you've got ducks. It won't hurt your chickens, and it will ensure your ducks are getting enough of what they need.

Ducks also need to be able to forage for grass and insects. If they are only fed commercial feed, it could cause Angel Wing - a nutritional deficiency in vitamins and minerals combined with a high level of carbohydrates and sugars.

With a large flock, it's probably a good idea to have multiple feeders and waterers placed around the run and your yard. This will ensure everyone has a place to eat and there is less squabbling. It's especially a good idea if you have little ones or younger flock that need a different feed.

Always have fresh, clean water available. Fowls make quite a mess!

If you have ducks, be sure to have bowls deep enough for them to be able to fully immerse their beaks in the water to properly drink and clean their airways.

Adding some apple cider vinegar to the water also offer added benefits such as clearing the airways from bacteria, strengthening their immune system, and helping with the gut and digestion.

And don't forget the treats! Everyone loves treats! Starting early on, I will give treats, letting them know that I'm the treat lady. This makes it so much easier when nighttime comes, and it's time to lock everyone up. They'll come running straight to you!

My flock adores Grubbies, mealworms, cabbage, lettuce, scrambled eggs, and THIS summer treat which is always a winner!

HERE is a guideline on what your flock can and cannot eat.

CLICK HERE FOR MY FAVORITE TREATS

DISEASES

The best way to prevent diseases is to ensure fresh air circulation in the coops and let your flock roam freely with ample open space. It also helps to frequently move the coop and roosting poles to fresh ground so that manure doesn't pile up in one location.

Be aware! Turkeys are prone to a deadly disease called blackhead disease.

Chickens can be carriers of this disease without showing any symptoms. When turkeys and chickens share food, or turkeys digest some infected chicken poop, it can be detrimental.

My birds have a lot of free-range time, so their time in close quarters is lessened, which helps prevent some of their exposure to this and other health issues. I monitor and regularly deworm everyone with pumpkin seeds, garlic, turmeric, and other natural things you can mix with their food. This helps keep things at bay.

Constantly monitor your flock and don't introduce new birds that could potentially be infected. It's also a great idea to check in with your local vet about the possibility of black disease and others in your surrounding areas.

Other things to note when keeping a mixed flock

Male to Female ratio

If there are too many boys and not enough girls, it could become a problem. It's recommended to have 1 rooster per 6-7 hens. The same goes for ducks etc. If there are not enough females to males, there will be issues with over breeding, cross-breeding, and also more squabbling. I would also advise having a rooster, drake (male duck), and a tom (male turkey) so each can keep themselves busy with their own kind ;-)

Bullying

Be on the lookout for bullying. Fowls can become very territorial. Always ensure everyone is getting a fair chance during meal times and getting all they need for proper nutrition. Especially if they are not free-ranging. If you notice a problem with bullying, you may need to consider splitting the groups.

Species

Don't mix too many species unless you have a ton of space. The general recommendation is 2-3 species.

Smaller Birds

It's preferable to not keep smaller birds like bantams or silkies in with other large breeds. They'll get picked on or worse. I separated my silkies out and put them in a totally different area.

Introducing babies

Wait till young birds are old enough, around 6-8 weeks, before introducing them to a flock of a different kind. They will be young enough to adapt well and learn the pecking order at this age, but they will be old enough to defend themselves or run away!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Having a mixed flock has been a true joy for us! Just make sure everyone is safe and happy and you will hopefully have a positive experience!

For more information check out these blog posts":

BROODY HEN- tips and what to expect

HOW TO INTEGRATE-new chicks to your existing flock

HOW TO CARE FOR BABY CHICKS - a comparison between a human and hen mom.

I hope this was helpful to you! Comment any questions!

Love,

Annette