Turkeys, Ducks, and Chickens, Oh MY! Can they all peacefully co-exist? Ive gathered some thoughts on keeping a mixed flock and why raising chickens and ducks together is totally doable. Read on to see what Ive 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! Thats the dream, right?!
Well, dont 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:
– Require only one general type of feed with some added supplements (more on this later).
-Beneficial to your grounds, e.g., Chickens love all sorts of insects, keeping the areas pest-free, but wont eat slugs. Whereas ducks will happily gobble down slugs. And geese are excellent grazers, keeping your grass nice and short.
Raising chickens and turkeys together is a common question that many backyard poultry keepers have. While it is possible for these two bird species to coexist there are some important considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping chickens and turkeys together and provide tips for safely managing a mixed flock.
Can They Physically Live Together?
The simple answer is yes, chickens and turkeys can live together in the same coop and run. These species often naturally flock together in the wild and don’t have an inherent aggression towards each other.
However there are a few physical considerations when housing chickens and turkeys together
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Size Difference – Turkeys are much larger than chickens, so you’ll need to ensure your coop has adequate space for the turkeys to move around comfortably. Overcrowding could lead to accidental injuries.
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Roosting Bars – Thicker roosting bars, at least 2×2 inches, should be used so the heavier turkeys don’t wrap their toes over the edges. Frosted toes can develop if the turkeys’ feet aren’t completely covered by feathers while roosting.
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Feeding and Watering Space – With their larger beaks, turkeys can monopolize feeders and waterers. Ensure there are enough stations for both species to prevent chickens from being crowded out.
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Nest Boxes – Turkeys cannot fit inside typical chicken nest boxes. Provide separate ground-level nesting space for any breeding turkey hens.
As long as these considerations are accounted for, chickens and turkeys can physically cohabitate without much issue.
Health Considerations
The main health concern with raising chickens and turkeys together is blackhead disease. Blackhead disease is caused by the parasite Histomonas meleagridis which chickens can carry without symptoms but is often fatal to turkeys. This disease spreads through infected fecal matter.
Unfortunately, once blackhead becomes established in a flock, it’s very difficult to fully eliminate. Some tips to reduce blackhead risk include:
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Start turkeys and chickens separately as chicks/poults instead of introducing new birds later.
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Practice good biosecurity like quarantining new birds.
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Keep feed and water stations very clean to avoid fecal contamination.
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Use a medication like nitarsone in feed to suppress histomoniasis.
Even with precautions, there is always some risk of asymptomatic carrier birds introducing blackhead. Many experts recommend housing chickens and turkeys separately.
Behavior Considerations
Turkeys and chickens have somewhat different behavior that can lead to conflicts when housed together:
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Aggression – Roosters may see the larger turkeys as a threat and attack. Turkey toms can seriously injure chickens if they feel competitive.
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Mating Attempts – Turkey toms may try to mate with chickens hens which can cause injuries.
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Broodiness – A broody chicken may attack turkey poults if she feels her nest is threatened.
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Flightiness – Chickens startle and scatter easily which turkey poults may perceive as a sign of danger.
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Feeding – With their stronger beaks, turkeys can push chickens away from feed. Chickens may not get adequate nutrition.
Pecking Order – Competition for resources can lead to aggressive squabbles and sometimes predation of smaller chickens by turkeys.
Proper housing density, escape areas, and adequate food and water access can reduce aggressive conflicts. But some behavioral differences will always exist between the two species.
Benefits of a Mixed Flock
When proper precautions are taken, there are some advantages to raising chickens and turkeys together:
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Natural socialization – The two species can learn to peacefully coexist and behave more naturally than in single-species flocks.
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Shared shelter – One coop and run saves space and construction costs.
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Protection – Turkey hens often act as guardians and alert the flock to predators. The larger turkeys may deter some predators.
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Insect control – With their great eyesight, turkeys can help reduce insects, ticks, and parasites on the property.
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Fun to watch – Many enjoy seeing the interesting interactions between chickens and turkeys.
Tips for Managing a Mixed Flock
Here are some best practices for raising a healthy, harmonious mixed flock:
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Monitor for bullying and remove aggressive birds.
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Provide plenty of roosting space, food, and water for both species.
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Free-range frequently so birds can choose to separate.
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Introduce turkey poults and chicks together at a young age.
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Quarantine new arrivals for 30 days before introducing to the flock.
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Restrict turkeys from chicken coop and nest boxes as needed.
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Start with a low turkey to chicken ratio, like 2-3 turkeys for a flock of 10 chickens.
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Keep wild birds away from feed and water sources to prevent disease spread.
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Immediately isolate and treat any sick birds.
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Consider probiotics or medicated feed to promote good gut health.
Consider a Dedicated Turkey Pen
If you want to raise turkeys but prefer to keep them separate from your main chicken flock, a dedicated turkey pen is a good compromise. Turkeys only need basic housing – a small covered shelter with roosting bars and fencing to contain them. This allows the turkeys their own space while being able to interact with the chickens through the fence. Their food and water can be kept separate to fully prevent cross-contamination.
Many backyard flock owners find keeping separate pens or designated areas for chickens versus turkeys prevents most problems while still allowing some interaction between the species. It’s an easy way to get the best of both worlds!
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Keeping Turkeys and Chickens
While chickens and turkeys can technically be raised together, there are definite disadvantages to housing these species in close proximity. The primary concern is blackhead disease transmission. Turkeys are also much more likely to be injured or picked on by standard chicken breeds.
That being said, a mixed flock can work well when proper precautions are taken and the birds are monitored closely. The benefits of natural socialization, shared housing, and interesting flock dynamics may outweigh the additional management required. Extra steps must be taken to reduce fighting, prevent disease issues, and accommodate the turkeys’ size and other needs.
Every flock owner will need to weigh the pros and cons for themselves and decide if a mixed turkey and chicken flock will work in their individual situation. For a low-risk approach, keeping separate pens is recommended. But with careful planning, the two species can comingle with relatively few problems in many backyard flocks. Paying close attention to health and recognizing signs of trouble early allows turkey and chicken owners to enjoy the best of both worlds.
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 others 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 its 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 youve 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 Ill 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 youve got ducks. It wont 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, its 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. Its 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 dont forget the treats! Everyone loves treats! Starting early on, I will give treats, letting them know that Im the treat lady. This makes it so much easier when nighttime comes, and its time to lock everyone up. Theyll 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.
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 doesnt 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 dont introduce new birds that could potentially be infected. Its also a great idea to check in with your local vet about the possibility of black disease and others in your surrounding areas.
Can Turkeys & Chickens Live Together?
FAQ
Can I keep a turkey with my chickens?
However, ducks, geese, turkeys, and guineas can all be housed with chickens as long as some coop modifications are done to accommodate the different species.Jun 12, 2023
Are turkeys a threat to chickens?
While female turkeys can typically live with chickens without issue, male turkeys are another story. A tom could seriously injure or even kill a chicken if he was to mount them, and unfortunately, there are reports of this occurring at sanctuaries. Therefore, it’s safest not to house male turkeys with female chickens.
What animals can live with chickens?
- Ducks. At the top of our list of companions for your backyard chickens are ducks. …
- Quail. …
- Rabbits. …
- Cats. …
- Dogs. …
- Conclusion.
Can chickens and turkeys be in the same brooder?
Broody chickens may be used to hatch turkey eggs. A medium-size chicken can handle about half a dozen turkey eggs. Soon after the eggs hatch, most broody hens will accept six or so additional poults slipped in with the ones she hatched. Chickens raised with turkeys acquire a sort of immunity to Marek’s disease.