Talk to me about building a POND

[hypnofrogstevie]

ok here is part of the link I posted below this post. If you build a pond this may work/

Drinking and swimming, ducks need water

Ducks need water, clean water. If you don't have a sizeable (preferably filtered) pond, here's an alternative: Provide fresh drinking water with a reservoir and change the water at least once daily. Ducks need clean water for swimming and playing. Water is essential when they are feeding because they use it to clean the vents in their beak and to wash the food down. They don't have teeth for chewing, so water helps prevents choking. Many people we know use hard plastic "kiddie" pools for swimming because a duck's nails are sharp and can pop inflatable ones.

Leg injuries are most common when entering or exiting the water, so provide a sturdy ramp or a series of shallow steps for your duck to get in and out safely. Be sure to change the water when it gets cloudy, or after swimming. Your duck needs a safe swimming area, not one that breeds bacteria, germs, disease, mosquitos...

Chlorine is not harmful to ducks when used as directed. You may want to add a small amount or use a spa floater in between uses, removing the device while the duck is in the water. I don't recommend household bleach, use the kind made especially for pools and spas. Follow directions carefully and keep all chemicals out of reach of children, ducks and other pets

 

[Nick]

Here is good pond forum:

http://www.koiphen.com/forums/index.php?

 

[twigg]

Just a note on Chlorine Bleach.

It is exactly the same stuff as the much more expensive swimming pool sanitiser. It is Sodium Hypochlorite.

The key is getting the right amount in the water.

It is all we use in our swimming pool. Chlorine levels are maintained at 1 to 3 ppm and the cost is a fraction of that incurred with *ahem* swimming pool products.

The problem with ponds is that you want balance. Chlorination isn't balance, it is chemical death to plantlife. The real answer, especially with waterfowl, is size and depth. The larger the body of water, and the fewer the ducks, then the easier it is to achieve the right balance.

Make the pond as big as you can (you will need a backhoe), seal it well and filter and/or aerate. Keep as much wildlife in there as you can and keep the number of ducks low. That's gonna give you the best chance of creating a pleasing pond rather than a stagnant puddle.

If this is too much there is an alternative.

Ducks and geese do not need to swim. They do need to be able to submerge their heads though. So provide them with troughs of water at least 3" deep, and keep them clean.

Hope this helps.