Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience for any backyard farmer. Fresh eggs, amusing antics, and pest control are just a few of the benefits chickens provide. However, chickens are social animals that do best when kept with other chickens. Sometimes backyard farmers want to add some variety to their flock. So what other types of birds can be kept with chickens? There are a few important factors to consider.
Space Requirements
The most important consideration when adding new birds is having enough space. Chickens require a minimum of 2-4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run. Larger breeds need more space. Any new birds added will also need sufficient space. Overcrowding causes stress, can lead to injuries, and increases the chances of illness spreading. Make sure to plan for future growth when calculating space needs. Chicks rapidly outgrow brooders and juvenile birds quickly mature to adult size.
Behavioral Compatibility
Another key factor is ensuring any new birds have a compatible temperament and habits as chickens. Chickens have an established pecking order in their flock and can be aggressive towards newcomers. Timid birds may become bullied. Birds that eat different diets or have different sleeping habits can cause issues. Some species may be stressed by the constant activity of chickens. Take time to research the natural behaviors of any potential additions to make sure they will mesh well with your current flock.
Dietary Needs
It is important to meet the dietary requirements of every bird in your flock. Chickens eat a grain-based diet and thrive on commercial feed or crumbles. However, other species may have different needs, such as protein from insects or small vertebrates. Can you accommodate the feeding needs of new additions? Competition at feeders can become an issue if there are not enough stations. Be aware of which birds may eat each other’s food to prevent malnutrition. Providing enough clean water is also essential.
Disease and Parasite Transmission
Biosecurity should be a priority for any mixed flock. Introducing new birds runs the risk of spreading infectious diseases and parasites. Chickens carry a variety of poultry-specific illnesses that may be transmitted to other species. Likewise, newcomers could pass illnesses to your current flock. Quarantine all incoming birds for at least 30 days and monitor closely for signs of sickness. Only obtain birds from reputable sources that appear healthy. Keep vaccinations current and follow preventative flock health practices.
Potential Chicken Flock Additions
Here are some types of birds that may be successfully kept with chickens:
Guinea Fowl
These quirky gamebirds have many positive qualities when kept with chickens. They eat insects like ticks and patrol grounds actively. Their loud vocalizations may deter predators. However, guinea fowl can also be noisy, independent and prone to wandering. Make sure fences are secure if keeping them. They require similar housing and supplements as chickens but need higher protein. Multiple guineas may form strong pair bonds.
Ducks
Certain duck breeds are well-suited for co-mingling with chickens. Runner and Pekin ducks often integrate well. Ducks should have access to a child-pool sized water area to immerse their heads and maintain feather hygiene. They eat similar feed as chickens but also need niacin. Be aware ducks are messier with water and increase coop cleaning duties. Males may mate with chickens, so only keep female ducks.
Geese
Geese can make great guard animals and form bonds with chickens. However, they require more space than ducks and produce more mess. Geese graze extensively and prefer to eat grass, though they will also eat poultry feed. Certain breeds like Pilgrim or African may be more docile and mix better with chickens. Only keep female geese since males are aggressive.
Turkeys
These large birds need plenty of space but normally integrate well with chickens. Hens are calmer and less prone to aggression than toms. Be sure to provide roosting bars low enough for turkeys. They can fly short distances. Turkeys may eat chicken feed but also benefit from gamebird crumbles. Keep turkeys safe from predator attacks when poults. Monitor for signs of blackhead disease which can pass between turkeys and chickens.
Quail
Coturnix and Button quail make good additions since they occupy lower niches in the pecking order. They are small, non-aggressive, and utilize vertical space effectively. Quail thrive on chicken starter feed and consume very little. Make sure quail have access to hiding spots and do not get bullied. Their small size makes them vulnerable to attack. Always keep quail enclosed in aviary mesh or hardware cloth. They are able to squeeze through surprising gaps.
Pigeons
Certain utility breeds like homing pigeons may coexist well with chickens. They should be contained in their own coop and fly pen. Pigeons are monogamous and form breeding pairs. The males produce crop milk to feed squabs. Pigeons primarily eat grain and legume seeds. They appreciate shelled corn, peas, and poultry pellets too. Take precautions so they do not crowd chickens at feeders. Also be vigilant about disease transmission.
Birds Not Recommended for Chicken Flocks
Here are some species typically not suited for co-mingling with chickens:
Large Ratites
Ostriches, emus, rheas and cassowaries should not be mixed with chickens. These sizable flightless birds can injure or kill chickens accidentally due to their strength and powerful kicks. They also require substantial space and a custom high protein diet. Their feeding habits and dominance displays are problematic in a mixed enclosure.
Game Birds
While guineas and turkeys may integrate, other game birds pose issues. Pheasants, peafowl and partridges are usually too aggressive or easily stressed by chickens. They may also carry infectious diseases. Grouse, prairie chickens and quails often have specific environmental needs at odds with chickens.
Raptors
It is never safe or ethical to intentionally house predatory birds like hawks, eagles, falcons, or owls with chickens. Their instincts will lead them to attack and consume chickens. Even when hand-raised, these birds remain dangerous to smaller flock mates when mature.
Crows & Jays
Intelligent corvids like crows, ravens, magpies, and jays should not cohabit with chickens. They are opportunistic predators that will kill and eat young chicks. Their daring nature also encourages them to steal chicken feed and eggs. These noisy birds may stress a flock.
Doves & Pigeons
While some pigeon breeds can integrate with chickens, common doves and pigeons such as mourning doves should not. They usually become extremely stressed and fearful when kept with chickens. Larger fowl will bully and injure the smaller, timid birds.
Softbills
Birds with specialized diets like toucans, hornbills, mynahs and lories are totally unsuited for chicken coops. Their need for fruit, nectar or other moist foods would not be met. These tropical species also require warmth incompatible with chickens. Softbills would likely become aggressive if forced to compete with chickens for normal feed.
Introducing New Birds
Here are some tips to safely introduce new avian additions:
– Quarantine new birds for 30-45 days before allowing contact
– Ensure vaccines and exams are performed by a vet
– Let birds become accustomed to each other’s presence gradually
– Provide multiple escape routes and hiding spots
– Supervise initial face-to-face meetings carefully
– Allow subordinates to retreat from conflict
– Provide adequate food, water and perches for all
– Have sufficient nest boxes for egg-laying hens
– Divert aggression towards treats or activities
– Remove persistent bullies if aggression arises
– Never mix mature gallopybirds in confined spaces
Preparing Safe Coops for Mixed Flocks
To house chickens successfully with other species, here are some coop considerations:
– Provide adequate overall space and free range
– Use dividers to separate birds if needed
– Ensure adequate ventilation and perches
– Have sufficient nest boxes for all egg layers
– Include roosts usable by all flock members
– Place feed and water stations far apart
– Size pop holes appropriately for each species
– Use small gauge aviary mesh on enclosures
– Predator-proof the coop structure fully
– Add visual barriers indoors for hiding spots
– Include shelter from sun, wind and rain
– Maintain biosecurity against diseases & parasites
Benefits of a Diverse Backyard Flock
Here are some rewards that raising multiple bird species can provide:
– Increased production of eggs, meat and fertilizer
– More biodiversity attracting insects and plants
– Unique personalities and behaviors to enjoy
– Improved foraging over wider areas
– Natural pest control from insect-eating birds
– More alertness to dangers like aerial predators
– Guarding of flock by territorial geese or guineas
– Ability to develop different husbandry skills
– Learning about new types of avian nutrition
– Opportunity to save rare/heritage breeds
– Less chance of overgrazing when rotating pastures
– More resilience if disease impacts one species
Risks of Keeping Multiple Bird Species
However, there are also some cautions to consider before mixing flocks:
– Greater chance of contagious disease outbreaks
– More complex biosecurity and quarantine needs
– Difficulty meeting every bird’s nutritional requirements
– Increased internal flock conflicts and bullying
– Extra predator pressures from wider variety of food sources
– More attention needed to integrate newcomers safely
– Added workload to care for additional species
– Special housing considerations to accommodate needs
– Some birds may be very noisy, such as guineas
– Certain birds like pigeons are viewed as pests by neighbors
– Loose birds likely to stray farther making containment difficult
– Need to learn about proper care of unfamiliar birds
Conclusion
The decision to add new avian species to an existing chicken flock requires careful thought. With adequate space, biosecurity measures, prudent diet and housing plans, certain birds like guineas, ducks, geese and turkeys can successfully integrate. However, other species should never be kept with chickens due to welfare concerns, like birds of prey. Do extensive research before introducing new birds. Quarantine, supervise interactions, and be prepared to separate animals if conflicts arise. When managed properly, a diverse backyard flock can be a wonderful experience providing enjoyment, productivity and unique personalities. Just be sure any animals you keep together are not endangered by inter-species dynamics and have all their needs met. With planning and vigilance, it is possible to safely keep multiple bird species coexisting for mutual benefit.
