Hi, I've just combined my adult hens, my 4 week old ducks, and my 6 week old chicks in the same pen. They all have their separate feeders filled with the appropriate feed but the ducks and chicks are determined to eat the hen's lay pellets. At their young age is this harmful to them?

Ducks are wonderful gluttons. I would think you would have to keep them separated from your chickens, and it would be better for the chickens to separate the adults from the growers. All of them need a different feed for optimum growth and production. They all need to be allowed to eat what they need. The ducks will tend to push every one out of the way, and the hens will tend to push the young ones out of the way. I urge you to go back to the separation. When I let our adult chickens out, I close the duck pen because the hens will eat the ducks' corn and thus reduce the protein level hens need for egg production. Ducks find nearly anything very palatable. Hope this helps.

Dear Doc Bruce, I do have it set up so that the babies eat their special required foods each day in their little pens separate from the adult hens, morning and night. During the day is when I allow them to roam together. They all get along fine...my main concern is for the ducklings wolfing down the hens lay pellets because I don't know if, at their age, there is some ingredient in those that will harm them. If there is cause for concern I can make a platform or something that the ducks can't reach. If it's harmless can I let them go at it or will they just eat until they explode?! I do see what you mean about them being gluttons....they NEVER seem to be full! I'm so new at this and want to do it right as I am completely and totally IN LOVE with my ducklings. If you still suggest separation I'll do it but I so enjoy letting them all out together-they're so cute. Lila

Ducks are wonderful pets. . . always entertaining and interesting, and expressive. Unless your feed is medicated, it won't bother the ducks, but the cost factor might bother you. When they are full, they will quit eating, but only for a while. If it were me, I would keep them separated. The ducks will foul everyone's water. The little ones need their extra protein all day, and don't need the competition from the others. Ducks make a mess and don't need to crowd your hens. But so long as everyone can get the feed they need when they want it, and if you keep after the water, they will probably be okay. If crowded, the ones pushed out will be slowed in their development. Have fun and good luck