Ducks don't go to our pond

[Kellygreen525]

This is my first year with any backyard fowl and I have both chickens and ducks. Our yard has a trout pond the previous owners dug (currently no trout in it, just a couple frogs and tadpoles). My 2 month old ducks have only been in it a couple of times and only after being herded to it. They will flap/run over to the embankment, stare at the pond and then go back to their other sources of water. Do I need to dress up like a duck and have them follow me in?

 

[DuckyDonna]

I think they might be aware of danger in that pond. Snapping turtles come to my mind first and then snakes!

 

[Knighstar679]

This is my first year with any backyard fowl and I have both chickens and ducks. Our yard has a trout pond the previous owners dug (currently no trout in it, just a couple frogs and tadpoles). My 2 month old ducks have only been in it a couple of times and only after being herded to it. They will flap/run over to the embankment, stare at the pond and then go back to their other sources of water. Do I need to dress up like a duck and have them follow me in?

But please if you dress up like a duck and lead them in we would like pictures or a video

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

But please if you dress up like a duck and lead them in we would like pictures or a video

 

[imnukensc]

Ducks are not particularly concerned about snapping turtles or snakes. Get rid of your "other sources of water." I would suspect that they can get to them more easily and have easier ingress/egress to them. Animals are like humans----they're basically lazy.

 

[BullChick]

My 2 month old ducks have only been in it a couple of times

No mom? THEY CANNOT FLOAT!!
I am not really yelling, but it’s too important to not emphasize. Ducklings don’t have the oil gland to cover their feathers. Without it, they get tired of paddling their feet, and drown. Mom uses hers for her babies in nature.

 

[imnukensc]

2 month old ducklings certainly DO have a functioning oil gland and those ducks in the OP's photo are quite capable of swimming all day long.

 

[Knighstar679]

The embankment looks a little steep in some spots could that be a problem? Know it is when we build a ramp for pools.

 

[Kellygreen525]

You all have been very helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[Kellygreen525]

Ducks are not particularly concerned about snapping turtles or snakes. Get rid of your "other sources of water." I would suspect that they can get to them more easily and have easier ingress/egress to them. Animals are like humans----they're basically lazy.

This is a bit of what I was suspecting. In the mornings, they are in their run (along with my chickens who have a separate coop), where I put out their food and water. Then, when I'm going to be out and about the yard/pond I let them free range and would like them to enjoy the pond. How do I keep the ducks from the water sources that I think I need to keep out for the chickens? I do have a bucket with nipples I could leave as the only one. I just don't want my ducks to "die of thirst" because they're dumb, lazy and I didn't put on a mama duck costume.