Ducks

[Clairemarie1982]

Hi! We have a small flock of 9 chickens. I have ordered 5 ducks who will be arriving in April. To give you a quick description of the scenario- they will each have their own coop with a connected shared run. They will come out of the run daily but only with the supervision of a family member because of the hawks. My husband has brought up the concern to me of them going in our in-ground pool. Our backyard is approx a little over an acre with the chickens/ducks being on one side and the pool on the other. There is no fence surrounding the pool nor are we willing to do that. Last summer which was the first summer with chickens, they didn’t mess with it and all was well. Should we be worried about the ducks going in if they have access to a smaller swimming pool in their run? We don’t want to have to be on top of them with the worry that if the kids or I turn our backs or step away they are sneaking into the pool and pooping! Anyone with personal experiences and thoughts on this matter would be so helpful. I really want ducks and trying to convince my husband that all will be well. Ha. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Isaac 0]

Any source of water without a fence, the ducks will be in there for sure.

 

[gmjarvi]

They will take to your pool like a duck to water

 

[Clairemarie1982]

They will take to your pool like a duck to water

Ahh! I was hoping there would be a deterant like keeping a bunch of large floats in the pool.

 

[Isaac 0]

Could you make a large covered run? That they can be in all day, I believe @quackiemama made a pretty good looking run for her duck's.

 

[Clairemarie1982]

Could you make a large covered run? That they can be in all day, I believe @quackiemama made a pretty good looking run for her duck's.

Yes they will be in a large covered run like the chickens are. But our chickens get SO excited to come out and run around the yard and I wouldn’t want to take that away from the ducks. I was just hoping that they could still come out and play with the kids etc- and I can do something about the pool like throw a ton of massive pool floats to deter them. Lol

 

[DiYMama540]

If you don't want them in the pool you will absolutely have to fence them out! They would loooove to have access to a whole big pool!!
A cheaper way than permanent wood fencing is to use temporary plastic fencing with the step in poles. Usually you can find the stuff near the front of TSC with gardening items right now.

A nice picket fence would look beautiful too

 

[gmjarvi]

Ahh! I was hoping there would be a deterant like keeping a bunch of large floats in the pool.

If you can't install a man-made fence, what about a "green" fence made of shrubs? I would think you would need to block the view of the pool so they don't even know it's there. Or a pool cover? Pool floats may work at first, but unless you get a very nervous breed (which will not be likely to enjoy snuggles from you or your kids) they will probably figure out that the giant pool floats aren't a threat.

 

[DiYMama540]

Or try using a cover over your pool when it's not in use

 

[Isaac 0]

Yes they will be in a large covered run like the chickens are. But our chickens get SO excited to come out and run around the yard and I wouldn’t want to take that away from the ducks. I was just hoping that they could still come out and play with the kids etc- and I can do something about the pool like throw a ton of massive pool floats to deter them. Lol

Understandable, Nothing is more is enjoyable when i let the ducks out each morning and watch them waddle there butts around the yard looking for worms.