We have a slug problem and we want eggs. I hear ducks are good slug hunters and that some breeds are excellent layers, so we are considering getting some.
However, while I have experience with chickens, I have very little with ducks. We kept some when I was a kid, but apart from the fact they are messy with water, I don’t remember much.
Here are some pros and cons I can think of for both chickens and ducks.
Chickens
Pros
- Lots of people raise them. I.e lots of information about how to raise them.
- They can jump pretty high to get away from predators
- Lots of chicks available for sale
Cons
- They are destructive in mulched gardens with their scratching.
- They are sensitive to very cold weather.
Ducks
Pros
- Very hardy to cold
- Good layers
- Don’t scratch
- Good layers
Cons
- Need access to water to clean themselves
- They will make a mess of mud and poop with the water.
- Apparently can be loud.
- Not as readily available, so they can be more expensive.
Am I missing something?