Well, yes, but I would qualify that a bit. They probably won't be capable of sustained flight like a mallard, Call or Muscovy would, but they will be able to clear most fences, especially when stressed, with a strong wind, or when young. When they're older, heavier and used to their accomidations, they probably won't be doing any flying except in severe or unusual circumstances, in general.

Hi Vinny, Yes they do need a place to lay their eggs, Khaki's are great layers! I found mine to be even more reliable than my chickens. Since my nesting boxes for my chickens were raised I just stuck a couple of plastic crates w/straw against the wall of the coop floor and they used it everyday! Good luck! -Sheila

We have 5 hens, 5 guineas, 7 ducks. The hens are in a moveable cage, which allows them to do some of our hoeing for us, but they can destroy a garden in half an hour if turned loose. The guineas do the least damage, a little scratching, but mostly they peck my lower rosebuds. I hear they will eat all tomatoes, though some say they won't. Just got them last fall, we'll be finding out in a few months. The ducks are still under consideration. We decided to give up on the Muscovies, who had free run of the area and sleep on perches over the big old chicken cage, except for full mooon nights, when they won't fly. They sit on the ground and the coyotes make off with them. The drakes are large and heavy and a bit hard on seedlings they walk over. It was very interesting last spring to see them eat all the dandelion seeds, we realised they could change the entire ecology of our garden. So we got some Khaki Campbell ducks, true ducks, not like the cheap imitation Brazilian sort (ie. Muscovies) they only run 4.5 lbs, but as it turns out they adore water and spend more time in the pond than in the garden. This may be a blessing, as they waddle over plants, take their nap on the leeks, and poke around everything that I have mulched. Their cage is the same as the hens cage, but they pack down the grass and clover instead of eating it, and they leave a crust of manure on the ground. We have been adding sawdust to improve conditions in their cage. I am considering a permanent small house for them in the garden, as climbing plants could grow over it and get their roots under it to take advantage of moisture and fertility. Think of it as a sort of enclosed compost pile, I'd frequently add feed, sawdust and water, remove eggs, and about twice a year remove the finished compost. We'd let them out for awhile at advantageous times. The downside of this experimentation has been having to protect certain plants within the garden. My tomato rings have worked very well to protect my young beets, and I have fiddled with them a bit as I put in my tomatoes, putting some plants inside the rings or expanding them a bit to enclose the 7 plants till they get some size to them. but as I put my rings into service, I am wondering if some flimsy chicken wire would enable me to fence off small areas with temporary fences. Would it be worth it? So far we have found the ducks amusing, but whether they will prove as useful and practical as chickens remains to be seen. Donna

I am surprised that in 3 years since this post began no one has mentioned pigeons. They are the perfect homestead animal-- and were the poultry meat of choice until commercial chickens replaced them mid 20th century. A pair of pigeons will raise 2 - 4 squab a month. One squab feeds one person. Here's the amazing part: You should feed them well, but they will also fly, forage and return to feed their young: So it is possible to feed them lightly and they will still thrive on their own resources. Many a village under siege were able to continue to eat meat because their pigeons would fly safely above the battle, find food, and return. The droppings are also great for your garden. Pigeons are hugely under-rated in the united states as a valuable livestock, mostly because 'escaped' pigeons from 20th century abandoned squab farms have become a nuisance in many cities. Healthy pigeons can be purchased sometimes for as little as $2 each. The first generation should not be allowed to fly, until the second generation is established and off the nest or they may fly 'home' to their previous owner. Squab are best eaten when just coming off the nest, however older birds are fine too, just not as tender. They also provide a fascinating hobby if you choose homing or racing pigeons: you can fly them home from great distances. Because they mate for life, and are beautiful on the wing, we are somewhat tender-hearted about eating them. However, we maintain our flock as a small side business for wedding & funeral releases, (they fly home afterwards) and consider them an emergency food source should 'it' ever hit the fan. Here is a link that might be useful: Full Circle Doves