PART 5 BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER Choice of birds Like chooks, ducks are social birds and will be happiest in flocks of at least two. Other than the popular white Peking duck, consider the Campbell’s and Indian Runners, which will give your chickens some competition in the laying department. Bantam Mallards and Calls are also good laying breeds and their small size makes them easier to fit into a smaller garden. Again, always purchase your birds from reputable breeders! Housing Ducks should be housed separately from chickens as they are much messier and prefer to sleep on the floor rather than on a perch. Laying ducks will need to build their own nests in which to lay and/or incubate their eggs. Provide plenty of clean mulch or wood shavings for them. Ducks are just as vulnerable to predators as chickens are, and you’ll need to take the same security measures when it comes to their housing. Ducks will typically need 0.5 m2 of housing, assuming they are allowed to free range in the backyard during the day. DUCKS Ducks have a lot of personality, often sport beautiful plumage and can also provide eggs. They’re also very independent and somewhat more self-sufficient than many types of poultry. Duck eggs, one of the main reasons for keeping them, are larger than chicken eggs and have a harder shell. They are also richer in flavour, making them ideal for baking cakes and cooking. 48 | THE CHOOK BOOK