Ducks won't swim???

[kariboo]

I've got four 6-week-old ducks: two pekins and two rouens. I've also got a 5-acre pond. They aren't that interested in swimming. Are they just too young?

The two times they've been in we've basically had to push them in the water a couple of times until they stop and get the idea that it's wet and they can blow bubbles in it.

Then they swim around, no more than 4 feet from the shore and come out the moment we walk away.

Will they get the idea eventually?

 

[cowman910]

are you sure they are ducks? I would take them to a vet!

 

[Wifezilla]

LOL

Seriously though, some ducks don't like water. My buff never goes in the pond.

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

My 5 adults wont get out of the water its like 2 seconds grab a bite of food and right back in the pool...Mine love it but I know alot of peole whos ducks dont want anything to do with water other than to drink!

 

[goosedragon]

Are you sure the pond is safe for them? Sometimes they spot a potential problem (like snapping turtles) and are smart enough to be very careful on the water.

 

[kdcrws]

mine love their kiddy pool hate the pond! The soft shell turtles get to close for comfort so they won't go in.

 

[goosedragon]

I have seen them spooked by muskrats and beavers in natural ponds too.

 

[CurlyLindsay]

I had a friend who hatched ducklings that were so imprinted to her that she had to row out in a boat on the pond to get her ducks for swim out. LOL Once out there, they went back out on their own.

 

[kariboo]

Well, thank you, everybody!

They seem to enjoy themselves when they're in the water, but they're very skittish. So who knows... This is our first experiment with ducks, so I guess we'll just see how it goes!

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
what breed were those, mine did not imprint on me at all ungrateful buggers