Ducks will not get on pond after one attacked by snapping turtle

[kaywes]

We built a pond for our ducks 6 years ago and have never had a snapping turtle problem until this summer. About a month ago I happened to see a duck being attacked by a snapping turtle on our pond. Thankfully the duck got away, no chunk out of its foot but injured, and it is doing fine now. We jugged the pond and caught not just one but 3 snapping turtles! Jugged it again several more times and we have not caught anything else. Let them out of the pen after we caught the turtles and they usually run and jump in the pond. Not one single duck out of 41 ducks will get on the pond anymore! Having the pond is what has kept my ducks safe when predators come around they jump in the pond. I can not keep them locked up in the pen all of the time. It has been a month now and they will not get on the pond at all. Won't even use it to drink from during the day. What can we do to try to get the ducks back on the pond?!

 

[kaywes]

So they will never use the pond again?

 

[Miss Lydia]

So they will never use the pond again?

How would you feel if something traumatic happened like that to you or one of your flock mates?. Hopefully eventually they will feel safe enough to go in the pond again it will take time though, and I'd say you'll have to jug often for snappers since from what I have read they will travel great distances to find water. maybe try wading out a bit into the pond and see if they will follow or if it's a big pond put a small boat of some kind on it and see if you can coax them in by throwing out some kind of treats that float. Glad to hear the duck that was attacked is okay and nothing critical happened to it, not always the case. Let us know what works and how you went about it for others who may end up with something like this happening. and

 

[Moreducksplease]

This is old but I now have same problem. My ducks are safe on the pond but a snapping turtle moved in. I saw the attack and got my duck from huge snapping turtle which is gone now but now my ducks are done with the pond. The other day my dog chased them and they went into the pond and then stayed on the wrong side of the bank quacking at me until they figured out a way home without swimming through the pond. I dont know what to do, They locked up in their pen at night but pen is small for all day. anyone get a duck to go back into pond after made safe again?

 

[danceswithronin]

I've never run into this problem, but if it was me I would try to get them all excited about treat time and then wade into the pond myself to see if I could get them to follow me and convince them through example that it was safe again.

 

[Folly's place]

It sound like they are being sensible!
Could you do a fenced area for them including part of the pond? Or give up and give them a wading pool, or a child's plastic pool, or a stock tank with a ramp?
Turtles do travel ,and unless fenced out somehow, will be a constant menace for your ducks. Wild ducks and geese seem to learn avoidance, can your domestic ducks figure it out too?
Mary

 

[Moreducksplease]

It sound like they are being sensible!
Could you do a fenced area for them including part of the pond? Or give up and give them a wading pool, or a child's plastic pool, or a stock tank with a ramp?
Turtles do travel ,and unless fenced out somehow, will be a constant menace for your ducks. Wild ducks and geese seem to learn avoidance, can your domestic ducks figure it out too?
Mary

They have two kiddie pools but the problem is security from foxes and coyotes plus neighbor dogs. They are safer at the pond. I guess i can just feed them there and if a predator comes they will run to the pond and they can forage on the shore. May be my best option. Thanks!

 

[Moreducksplease]

I've never run into this problem, but if it was me I would try to get them all excited about treat time and then wade into the pond myself to see if I could get them to follow me and convince them through example that it was safe again.

the pond is very deep with mud. We tried getting in and sink to our hips but it is a great idea. Just too gross, they loved the pond so much, it is so sad all around.