Getting ducks to use new ramp/tub

[DuckMom2017]

Ramp idea:
If you have to remake it so it's longer, I used a yoga mat so my ducks could get some traction going up it. They're usually pretty cheap and it's easy on their feet!

 

[chickens really]

What I use is either Bricks or railroad ties as a step to hop up on and into the pool...I keep water deep enough so they can just hop out....

 

[Ducktown]

My ducks did not like the ramp idea at all. They were not even trying. I then tried making a ramp with some bamboo twigs and a whole bunch of straw. They used it immediately. I would need to add more and more straw, but they don't seem to have any issues jumping through the duck-house doors. They don't even need the ramp now, but they love their pond better and rarely visit their house. I hope they will start sleeping in their house during the winter, if not, I'll just have to scare them out of the water.

 

[CarleeAnn]

I had this problem too, moving my ducks from a small repurposed fire pit to their new 40 Gallon stock tank. Of course my stock tank was not as tall, but I made sure to make a comfortable "ramp". At first I used just dirt but the water would wash it away, so I found some rocks to make a ramp! I'll attach some pictures. But even after the dilemma of the ramp my girls did not want to try anything new! We would put them in and not let them get out (there wa s only one entrance), we didn't let them use their old pool, but what really did it was I got in the pond with them! Once they saw I was "safe" they happily followed me in and swam around. I just had my feet in the pond. Our ducks are very attached to us though....

 

[Meg Muir]

I literally feel your pain @Chickmamma29 when I changed from kiddies pool to bathtub it took my ducks a few weeks to use it on their own. I would go sit with them and then pick one up and sit on the edge of the bath and put them on the ramp. Just holding her gently and talking to her and then move her up the ramp slowly. Eventually putting her into the bath while still holding her and soothing her. Then I would let her go and she would bath and splash around like a mad thing. Diving all over the bottom. Then it was the next ducks turn..... Eventually I think it was about 2 weeks and they did it on their own. I didn't let them out the coop during that time. Which helped. Good luck. I do believe they would have figured it out on their own and we don't always need to assist but man alive j was just so desperate to see them swim!

 

[Chickmamma29]

Thanks for your thoughts!!
I have revamped the whole front of the tub. Brought in lots of rocks to make a slow slope up and incorporated the ramp with it. I have not had my luck with them swimming yet, but have spotted them walking up the ramp and standing there. Baby steps lol!

I also did what you mentioned, walking them up the ramp gently. I put them in the water slowly and hold on for about 30 seconds. But, as soon as I let go, spastic wing flapping and crazy escape out!!!

 

[chickens really]

Too funny.....Monkey see, monkey do with Ducks...Once one gets brave the rest will follow...

 

[lomine]

Since you have gotten them to go up the ramp, you can try tossing their favorite treats into the tub. Mine never miss an opportunity to eat mealworms.

 

[Chickmamma29]

I have great news to report
All 5 sucks are using their tub!!!!
I have been incorporating everyone advice, and it had paid off!!! Checked on them this after noon to find them napping in the water, as well ad the rock slope!!!!!
So many thanks to you all yet again

 

[Chickmamma29]

All 5 DUCKS that is lol!