Hi all! I haven't been on here in a couple years and laughed to see that my last post was "ducks won't come OUT of the water!" 
Sadly since then we lost all of our ducks (f&^*&^ mink!).
About 6 weeks ago we got 5 new female Cayuga ducklings. We started out with them inside in a brooding box until they were big enough to go outside, at which point we put them within a gated area within in our regular duck pen (so they couldn't go into the pond before they were old/big enough). Our pond is decently large, completely fenced in, and is continuously fed by runoff from our artesian well. Past ducks have loved it and preferred to spend most of their time in there.
Last week we finally removed the inner pen so that they could enjoy the pond, but they will absolutely not go in. They have a poultry waterer AND a little splashing pool (just a kitty litter box with water), so hydration isn't an issue. We have mink traps out and game cameras that are motion activated so we have not had any land-predators, and the pond is loaded with frogs and tadpoles so likely no unseen aquatic predators.
I think they are just very cautious, but I also hate that they aren't enjoying the magic that is ducks in water. I was considering getting duck decoys to put in to entice them in, and was wondering if anyone else has used this method, or if it's just a wait and see game.
Truly appreciate all your thoughts, thank you!
Sadly since then we lost all of our ducks (f&^*&^ mink!).About 6 weeks ago we got 5 new female Cayuga ducklings. We started out with them inside in a brooding box until they were big enough to go outside, at which point we put them within a gated area within in our regular duck pen (so they couldn't go into the pond before they were old/big enough). Our pond is decently large, completely fenced in, and is continuously fed by runoff from our artesian well. Past ducks have loved it and preferred to spend most of their time in there.
Last week we finally removed the inner pen so that they could enjoy the pond, but they will absolutely not go in. They have a poultry waterer AND a little splashing pool (just a kitty litter box with water), so hydration isn't an issue. We have mink traps out and game cameras that are motion activated so we have not had any land-predators, and the pond is loaded with frogs and tadpoles so likely no unseen aquatic predators.
I think they are just very cautious, but I also hate that they aren't enjoying the magic that is ducks in water. I was considering getting duck decoys to put in to entice them in, and was wondering if anyone else has used this method, or if it's just a wait and see game.
Truly appreciate all your thoughts, thank you!
