You might be having trouble making a decision on whether to raise chickens or ducks instead; you need to worry no more. Here are all the factors that you have to consider when raising ducks and chickens. This will help you figure out the right species that suits your small farm or homestead.
Many homestead owners, most probably have chickens around. These birds are referred to as the ‘starter animal’ for those who are looking to set up a small farm or in the backyards of their homes.
Being one of the most versatile animals for one to keep, their egg production is in high numbers; they help reduce bug population within your compound and can be raised for meat production. Still, if you have been raising chickens and you have experience on the practice. Or you are just an enthusiast and you are looking forward to this, raising ducks has somehow crossed your mind.
Housing for Ducks vs. Chickens
When it comes to housing ducks are easier to control compared to chickens. Confinement can be achieved by use of a fence roughly two feet high. So long as they have company of other ducks and they also have food and water. When raising chickens, you have to put into consideration the egg-production chickens, and meat production ones. You may require a fence that is taller or one that is covered completely to tame the egg-production chickens. Since they are light weight.
When it comes to predators, ducks fall short to chickens. As they are slow and since they move in a group. It is harder for them to get away from possible intruders. In addition to this, ducks prefer open conditions. This is because of the fact that they drink a lot of water, and their poop is loose and mostly liquid. So if you are thinking of raising ducks do not opt for a confined setting for your birds.
Sleeping arrangements favours ducks and they are the easier species to accommodate of the two. Chickens prefer raised perches to roost on at night, and you will be required to construct roost bars for your birds. Ducks on the other hand, are comfortable sleeping on the floor, which means they require more floor space but this is a bonus since you do not need to build extra structures for them.
Egg Production for Ducks and Chickens
It is usually the assumption of many that chickens are better at egg production than ducks. The reason for this assumption is that we often see chicken eggs in store shelves than eggs for ducks, yet, ducks are as good at laying eggs as chickens, and in some cases they are better in egg production.
If you are living in areas with climate that is suited for ducks, you will realise that ducks are better at adapting to climate. Therefore, duck breeds that are best at laying eggs outmatch chickens breeds that are best at laying eggs. The explanation for this is pretty simple; ducks compared to chicken have the distinctiveability to eat a variety of foods such as snails and slugs. Ducks also perform better in rainy weather and wet conditions. This results to maintained consistency in their laying ability which differs from the chickens’ performance.
There are people who are allergic to chicken eggs, and duck eggs can act as an alternative for them. Although there are cases in which people are allergic to duck and chicken eggs, this is extremely rare and you find a person that has an allergic reaction to duck eggs but not to chicken eggs.
Meat Production for Ducks vs. Chickens
Both ducks and chickens can be raised for meat production. When differentiating the types of meat produced by these birds, it is mostly dark while that of chickens is a mixture of both white and dark.
In terms of health benefits, both chicken and duck meat can be good for you. Ducks brought up in a natural environment tend to have meat and eggs rich in omega-3, nutrients and important fatty acids, and the same applies to chickens. Furthermore, the process of raising chickens and ducks for meat production, butchering as well as processing is the same.
If you are considering this option, then it is equally important that you get to know the ducks and chicken bred that are suitable for meat production. If you are the person that is considering raising ducks for meat, then here are the top breeds to think about;
Duck breeds
- Saxony which grows up to 4.54 kgs
- Rouen which grows up to 4.1 kgs
- Jumbo Pekin which grows up to 4.98 kgs
- Muscovy which grows up to 6.35 kgs
- Pekin which grows up to 4.54 kgs
The same applies for chickens, and your success depends on the breed you choose to raise, the following are the top breeds to consider:
Chicken breeds
- Breese which grows up to 3.2 kgs
- Buckeye which grows up to 4.1 kgs
- Cornish Cross which grows up to 5.4 kgs
- Orpington which grows up to 4.5 kgs
- Jersey Giant which grows up to 5.9 kgs
Conclusion
If you have gone through this article, then you might be still caught in the crossroad on whether to raise ducks or chickens. Both birds have their advantages and their disadvantages, so the main question you might be asking yourself is if you can raise both of them. The answer to such a question is a simple yes. You can raise both ducks and chickens; nevertheless, this answer becomes even murkier when considering raising them both in the same living area. This can turn out great provided you are aware of the housing conditions of both birds and if you can accommodate them both why not. Consider the choice that will best suit you needs in terms of climate, the set-up of your homestead, as well as the lifestyle you are living, and begin conducting research on the best breeds you prefer.
Check my articles on DIY chicken coop and duck house.
