Backyard Ducks versus Chickens In Oklahoma – Which Is Actually Easier?

I think someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that the groundhog was calling for a longer winter, because Oklahoma's weather has been way too nice lately. It's been so nice, in fact, that it didn't even seem out of the ordinary to find my local Tractor Supply already setting up their nesting bins for the upcoming chick season.

Every year, at the start of spring, people swarm the feed stores and bring home their own baby chicks to raise. In Oklahoma specifically, chickens are by far the most popular bird to raise for eggs. But they aren't the only option.

If you're considering branching out and trying to raise ducks this year, here are some things you should consider before bringing one home. And if ducks aren't an option, there are a few other birds you can consider raising instead.

Why Chickens Are Still The "Go-To" Bird For Oklahoma Backyards.

If you have most of the set up prepared beforehand, raising chickens is actually incredibly easy. Eventually, the hardest part becomes remembering to collect the eggs every day.

When you pick up your chicks, you have to consider things like:

• space for them to grow
• feed cost
• property limits
• outdoor arrangements

Obviously, you always check with any local ordinances in your area and make sure that you can actually have chickens. In some neighborhoods, hens are welcome, but you can't have roosters. In other places, chickens aren't allowed at all.

Raising them from chicks can be time-consuming at first, depending on if you plan on making yours "friendly" or not. It's wise to start handling them at this stage so that, as they get older, you can pick them to be doctored, transported, or for any other reason.

You might be tempted to bring home a lot of them at first, especially seeing how small they are. But they grow, grow fast, and five hens take up much more space. It is wise to have at least two because they prefer being in flocks.

Chickens are great about picking bugs like fleas, worms, and crickets. But, if you aren't able to allow them to roam freely, they will only be able to keep the area they're located in "bug-free." There are options for mobile coops and other arrangements, even if you can't allow free roaming.

Lastly, there are starter videos and guides everywhere on the internet to help with specific details of how to raise chickens starting from chicks. But my personal advice is: chickens are one of the more beginner-friendly birds for Oklahomans wanting to become more self-sufficient.

Why Ducks Are Adorable - And A Lot More Work Than Chickens

When you visit your local Tractor Supply during chick season, you'll likely see the ducklings in a nearby container. They're just as small, adorable, and unsuspecting as chicks. However, raising ducklings is an entirely different ball game.

They're much messier, louder, and more talkative, and (depending on the breed), could be susceptible to more injuries and illnesses in their later years.

The most notable difference between the two birds involves water. Chickens like to stay dry and only use water to drink. Ducks, however, need water to combine with their food, and they also use it for swimming and feather care when they get old enough.

Ducklings are noticeably messier than chicks. They pick up their feed in their bills, then mix it with their water in an adorable fast-chewing motion. This means you'll have to clean out their nest fairly often and replace bedding more often, as well.

Personally, I raised Pekin ducks, along with a few other smaller breeds. They are notoriously bigger than most ducks, as they generally raised for meat. They were gorgeous and full of personality. However, their size made them much more susceptible to infections like bumblefoot.

They also made it incredibly difficult to raise with chickens in an enclosed space. Luckily, I was able to allow my birds to free roam, but I know this isn't an option for everyone, and it should be considered when deciding if you want to try and raise ducks.

Other Birds Oklahomans Are Raising For Eggs and Meat

If you want to try raising birds for eggs or meat, chickens and ducks aren't your only options. Many locals in southwest Oklahoma sell baby quail and guinea, which can be even easier to raise than chickens.

If you really want to try raising something unique, you can look into raising peacocks in Oklahoma. It's legal, and doesn't require a permit if you are keeping one as a pet. However, if you want to sell peacocks or sell their eggs, you will need a permit from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (OKDWC).

What other birds are beginner-friendly to raise for those who want to be more self-sufficient in Oklahoma? Share your thoughts with us through the app.

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