Getting started with ducks on an acre sized pond.

[JadeComputerGal]

Well I guess ducks are probably out for the pond then! I was concerned about keeping ducks with the chickens for a couple reasons. The first reason being avian influenza and the other being because I was considering keeping guinea hens on the property free range and possibly (after a lot of research) considering keeping the guineas cooped at night with the chicken hens. The avian influenza was the biggest concern because so much of what I have read indicates that duck to chicken transmission is the biggest risk. I could easily make a separate pen for the guineas if needed so that wasn't a biggie, just easier if I can house them overnight with the hens.

I may just need to go without ducks altogether since my primary reason for choosing the duck for the pond was a natural means of keeping pond plants mowed down. I don't want to dredge and kill the fish or frogs or otherwise disrupt the balance just to keep down the lilies. I've never had birds for pets but I do care very deeply for all creatures and would never want to put them in an unfair situation or in harm's way. Maybe I will just have to find another means of maintaining the pond...

You've gotten great advice here. Welcome to BYC!

I think ducks are wonderful. I think you'd enjoy them even if they can't go into your natural pond, and I completely agree that's not a good idea. There is, to me at least, something very soothing and comforting about just watching them.

Just out of curiosity since you said you've never had birds for pets, do you have any experience with guineas? They usually roost in trees, and there are other things like the noise that you might want to consider with them.