Our ducks are 6 months old and laying lots of nice eggs. They are penned up at night and free range during the day. All of a sudden they will not go in their pool where they used to spend half there day. I have cleaned it and put lettuce and beans in it and still no luck. Maybe it is because the temperature dropped? I thought they would go in all year round. They wont even come near it where I usually hand feed them food. I have go to them now. Any thoughts out there? Also thought it might be the change in season with the time changing as well.
Look up - there are many hawks flying through in some parts of the country, and if the ducks are aware of them on a perch nearby they may not want to be out in the open.
Im having same issue! Very skittish to go outside and be in their pool which they normally spend all their time swimming in. Im guessing a cat or hawk was nearby. Took hours for them to go back outside.
I was thinking along the same lines of you... Temp could be an extreme factor, predators at the bottom of the pond are not an issue because you mentioned 'Cleaning' this pod is not in the wild right? Normally ducks will go into water whatever temp, I know my ducks do. We have a small black tub and fill it with cold water and during winter (Well our winter is down to 58-60). They have no problem going into the tub.
@Got 4 Ducks Welcome to BYC I think Amiga maybe on to something about a predator. Hawks are migrating this time of year and I know in our part of the country I am seeing more of them even though we have our own share of resident hawks here. So I am thinking something has spooked them, maybe move their pool to a more secluded area close to your house where a hawk wouldn't be as likely to come close. I make sure all my water fowls pools are not out in the open.. And you mentioned beans you threw into the pool. What kind? asking because dried beans are not good for ducks to eat here is a list of what is good for them and what not to feed. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements
With all of the migratory birds brings raptors. I spotted a Peregrine Falcon being chased by a crow and they flew about 40 feet above my aviaries. If I had an open pen, I'm sure one of my birds would be toast. If they are acting skittish, they experienced something traumatic. If it isn't a raptor, it could be a number of predators like 'possoms, 'coons, etc. Secondly, if it is too cold, they will eventually not go in the water. You will have to supply clean water that is warm enough.
