Ducks Don't Like The Pond

[WMDAVIS99]

A Cayuga and Swedish duck about 9 weeks old. I have a 1/4 acre pond on my property, when I let them go in for a swim, they immediately turn around and leave the pond, preferring to stay in their kennel.

Any ideas on getting them to stay in the pond and not be afraid?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Maybe you could try something smaller to swim in at first. Maybe they are just intimated by the size of the pond.

 

[duck walk]

maybe they have heard about big ole snapping turtles who kill and eat ducks...attack from below...

 

[WMDAVIS99]

Quote:
They have a kiddie pool to swim in, and they like that, but I want them in the pond like normal ducks!!!!!!

 

[Soccer Mom]

9 weeks is still pretty young. give them time. At about 12 weeks I usually let the kiddie pools go dry. In a day or so, mine all brave the big pond.

 

[Cetawin]

They are still young to be at ease with that huge of a swim area. Give them some more time.

I would also go ahead and make sure there are no turtles in that pond....set out a couple lines with hooks and chicken livers or raw meat, you will find em if they are there.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

mine dont like the pond either!!!

we think we killed ol' snappy the turtle... and the duckies love their little kiddie pool. but MAN they are making duck soup out of the yard!

we marched them down there again today - which went much easier than the three stooges event from earlier this week. and they are standing there in a confused heap. even Miss Dash our momma is standing there confused! sheesh.

the geese are in the pond daily so we think the pond is clear of predators... but they need to cowboy up and get in that water! they are rapidly approaching 12 weeks and i hope they get the hang of it. last year we couldnt keep them out of the pond!