Ducks to water

[KevinandJudy]

I just acquired a pair of beautiful Rouen ducks. They were Easter ducks, raised with chickens. They have never swim in anything bit a small rubber tub.
Question: how do I get them on the pond??
They are scared to death of it. There house is right beside the pond. I have tried to drive them in. No luck. Anyone have any suggestions? Please & thank you.
Signed, Duck Lover

 

[sourland]

All poultry tend to dislike the unknown - being prey animals they must be cautious. Try throwing small amounts of feed into the water close to shore and gradually increase the distance they need to go in order to feed.

 

[fairegirl]

gosh, we had this problem with our Pekin... we had never had ducks of any kind and we joked that we raised her all wrong.

we "trained" her with food like a dog LOL

we made ice cubes for her with corn and peas. first gave her the corn and peas outside of the swimming pool for a few days, then in the pool where she could reach in but for a few days..... then further and further inside. the moved on to the ice cubes so they would float where she could see them. at first she would keep jumping out and then one day she just jumped in to get the food.

it took us about 3 weeks but finally it worked! now she spends all day floating around.

good luck!

 

[Amiga]

And you know there are no snapping turtles in the pond, yes?

 

[KevinandJudy]

I haven't seen any turtles. I set traps last night. Something ate the bait, but I didn't catch anything.
Last evening, they started setting on the bank of the pond, very close to the water.
So...I still have hope. .