Help! How can i get my ducks out of the pond?!

[HeatherKellyB]

I also remember having to guide them to the bank with a light and then without any hesitation whatsoever, keep on guiding them to their house without startling them at all.

I've spent many hours trying to get my ducks off the pond at night. Sometimes, I'd just have to take a break and go back after an hour or so and try again.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Don't wild ducks stay on the water all night without problems?

 

[ackie]

Don't wild ducks stay on the water all night without problems?

The adults came in through, so I dont know if they just dont know better?

Someone mentioned they might not know how to get out... this is a good point. Maybe stick in a branch or something they can climb up?

Combined with the light idea.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Just got back from the pond again: They are happy bobbing on the water while it is snowing here! No way to force them out from there now, i guess i will chew my fingernails down to my elbows tonight… Damn ducks!
I will try to span a rope across the pond tomorrow, with some flags attached. Maybe they will be afraid and i can chase them home.
Thing is, i like them to be on the pond during daytime, helps me a lot to keep the mud-flats around the house at bey, but they must come back home when it is getting dark.

 

[ackie]

Just got back from the pond again: They are happy bobbing on the water while it is snowing here! No way to force them out from there now, i guess i will chew my fingernails down to my elbows tonight… Damn ducks!
I will try to span a rope across the pond tomorrow, with some flags attached. Maybe they will be afraid and i can chase them home.
Thing is, i like them to be on the pond during daytime, helps me a lot to keep the mud-flats around the house at bey, but they must come back home when it is getting dark.

They will eventually get hungry and come back to you!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Honestly I'm crazy and would probably wait at the side of the pond for them

but I also hate the cold, so maybe not

For sure i will not sit at the side of the pond to guard those stubborn ducks! Snow is flying horizontally at the moment.

 

[ackie]

Maybe you can focus some of that stressed energy on preparing an emergency station for them tomorrow if they do end up needing supplemental heat, treatment for frostbite or what have you. Or planning and preparing their favorite snack as a bribe.

 

[ackie]

For sure i will not sit at the side of the pond to guard those stubborn ducks! Snow is flying horizontally at the moment.

In my defense.... its snows here so rarely that it's always a fun thing.

But I can just imagine me inside with SO stressing and him being like... if you wont calm down, just go check on them, and me being like no it's their fault they're being stupid! and then visibly stress until he talks me into checking haha.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I’ve spent a fair amount of time getting into precarious situations to save chickens (getting onto the coop roof or climbing onto extremely thin branches for example). You don’t have a canoe or kayak? Or know someone that has one? Someone else to help corner them can be a big help too. Keep us posted because I am very interested in seeing what happens! I hope you can get them out!

I don't even have an inflatable rubber-boat! The pond is not that large, but very deep > 3m (10') and the ground is pure loam, so you easily get stuck.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Ducks have water proof feathers but if it gets below freezing the they could get frostbite on their toes. Are you sure they're able to get out you said the older ones can but maybe the younger ones cant. Idk tho just use your best judgement on the matter it's not worth drowing. I hope they come out

I don't think it will be cold enough tonight for the pond to freeze over. I am more cencerned about them getting hypothermic. They are just three months old, ok fully feathered and fluffy like cotton balls, but that water is really cold.