Duck pond problem

[Rstu]

So, after a unique series of events (in the street) I ended up with two ducks (muscovies.) We have 7 chickens, which is surrounded by wet, muddy field. The ducks gave a small washtub that they can bathe in. We weren't prepared for the ducks and have no permanent solution for a pond. If we dug a hole it would fill up with water, but the water would turn green and terrible because the water doesn't change, it's basically stagnant. I'm not sure what to do, they obviously want to swim, they are digging holes in the mud and splashing in the puddle they'd make. Any help on a permanent solution would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[NCBantam22]

Plastic kiddie pool!

Right On! I use one of the mini kiddie pools not the giant ones they are a good deal for $8!

 

[NCBantam22]

Joking right...beavers are endangered.....i can't imagine one trying to hurt a duck anyway......bad advice...don't kill anything!!!     

No... Beavers aren't endangered and I can hunt them in NC.... So if they cause a problem pow pow pow also I forgot to add beaver tail on some parts is considered a delicacy I'm an opportunistic omnivore, if squirrel is in season and I see one... Pow squirrel dinner if I find some blackberries... I have a blackberry cobbler for dessert

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Plastic kiddie pool!

 

[Going Quackers]

Yep, a kiddy pool will do. Honestly, in some ways it's easier.. i also use troughs here for mine and the bottom of old sandboxes will work too.

 

[Rstu]

I wanted something more substantial. My ducks have lived a troubled life and they've never swum in a big pond before. Their original owner neglected them, and one winters night they escaped and I found them in the street. I just want them to be happy, and a kiddy pool is not much bigger than what I have now.

 

[rebcart1905]

Well then you might have to fit the bill and invest in a landscape overhaul.....Ive seen set ups with the nice dug in landscape ponds, a filtration system etc....

We have a large pond in our pasture that I WAS planning on letting our ducks have free run of...but im concerned of major polution problems, with the horses and now ducks....I was just chatting with my husband about how we can drain it once or twice a year, water the pasture/hay field and how it would fill back up again...

 

[Enzo1812]

I could please use some help. We have a three acre pond and my eight Cayugas (6mos old)were doing great getting use to the open water when I think a passing underwater beaver scared the feathers out of them. Now they have no interest AT ALL going back in the pond. Any help with how to get them to feel more at home in the water would be greatly appreciated.Thank You.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I could please use some help. We have a three acre pond and my eight Cayugas (6mos old)were doing great getting use to the open water when I think a passing underwater beaver scared the feathers out of them. Now they have no interest AT ALL going back in the pond. Any help with how to get them to feel more at home in the water would be greatly appreciated.Thank You.

First of all Welcome to BYC, and are you sure it was a beaver and not a snapping turtle? snappers are awful with water fowl biting of parts of feet and legs and also eating ducklings, once you have determined exactly what scared them then about all you can do is give them time, but I doubt you'll get them back in if it was a snapper unless you rid the pond of them. You may have to wade out into the pond and try coaxing them back in once you feel it is safe for them.

 

[Enzo1812]

I'm more then sure it was a beaver. I called the previous owner and he had never seen turtles, of course that's not to say it's not possible. I will try to wade in that's a great idea. Thank you.