Ducks and a pond

[Callahan603]

We have 6 Cayuga ducks. They are about 12 weeks old. We have been letting them out to free range for about a week. We have led them to our pond and even helped them in. They will not get in on their own at all. Is there something else we should be doing or do they need to just get more comfortable? With the heat I have been worried about them. Thinking the pond would help cool them. Once in the pond, they will splash around for about 10 minutes but then just rush right out.

 

[sourland]

Ducks are very cautious about new experiences. They will eventually get the message that the pond is fun - then they won't want to come out.

 

[BReeder!]

We just threw our ducks into the pond... they figured it out quickly. Be sure to give them a way in and out. If it's a natural pound this is less of a problem because there is probably a sloped bank. Our pond is manmade and has a liner that covered with boulders. I had to make a ramp for the ducks to get in and out. If they cannot walk into the water they will not want to go in - at least the case with our ducks.

 

[Kabootar]

We have 6 Cayuga ducks. They are about 12 weeks old. We have been letting them out to free range for about a week. We have led them to our pond and even helped them in. They will not get in on their own at all. Is there something else we should be doing or do they need to just get more comfortable? With the heat I have been worried about them. Thinking the pond would help cool them. Once in the pond, they will splash around for about 10 minutes but then just rush right out.

Are they comfortable with the pond now?
Make sure that the pond is free from those nasty turtles that you have in the states.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes snapping turtles are a major threat to waterfowl even adult waterfowl so be sure you pond hasn’t any before your duckling go in.

 

[Callahan603]

So they still will not go in and we are wondering if its because there is a snapper in the pond. We have not seen one lately but in summers past we have. Makes me sad we have 1.5 acre pond and they will not go anywhere near it!

 

[Miss Lydia]

If I knew something might bite off a foot or take a chunk out of my chest I’d not go in either. You tube shows how to rid your pond of them.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Why don't you get them a kiddle pool so they can feel safe as well as bath?