Hi I just got my first ducks and I would like them to live with my chickens in the coop. I kept them seperated for a few weeks in thier own little house but now that the are together everyone gets along great but the ducks won't go in at night. We have to catch them. I have left everyone in the coop for two day's on to occasions thinking that the ducks would get the idea that this was home but it has not worked so far. There is a four foot ramp to go up and down to go inside which they come down fine, but could it be too much to get up? They are about 8 weeks and I would think capable but...? Any Ideas?

I am about to get 3 adult muscovys and would like to keep them with my chickens in their coop at night for safety. How do I train them to do this and can it work? I also heard you shouldn't keep chickens and ducks together because of the different diseases they could spread to one another. Is this true?

Your ducks are probably "protesting" the ramp I would bet. However, maybe you could give them some incentive to go in at night. (I love bribes). Grapes work wonders at my house. Maybe a certain type of feed they like but don't always get. Try using one bucket everytime you give them their treat, maybe "clang" the side of it with your hand, and give them the treat. They should learn to recognize that bucket and sound and follow you if you can get them up that ramp.

Concerning ducks and chickens, I too keep chickens and ducks together but I think that most people don't advise it for the fact that ducks are wet-mess makers and the chickens shouldn't be kept in such wet conditions.

Good luck to you both.
threehorses