Help! How do I get my ducks and geese to go into the pond?

[ducklovingdeb]

We have a small flock (2 geese and 16 ducks — Cayuga, Saxony, and Runners). Like most ducks, they started off in a baby pool, but now that they’re older, we want them to use our pond (2 acre).
The problem: they won’t go in!
I’ve walked them down to the edge of the pond, but they just stand there and stare at it. They’ve even watched the wild ducks on the pond without making a move. We even bought them a bigger pool so they could submerge themselves, but they won’t use that either.
How can we encourage them to actually swim in the pond? Has anyone had success getting their flock to make the leap from a kiddie pool to a natural pond?

 

[sourland]

Have you tried tossing floating feed close to the edge and then gradually further out?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Caution: I have zero knowledge of ducks, other than their cuteness!


Is there any chance that there are snapping turtles in your pond?

Would some sort of ramp easing into the water work? Some useless piece of leftover plywood, for instance. Something you don't care about it falling apart after being partially in the water.

 

[Yardmom]

Ducks can be scared of what they don't know, so that might be all you are dealing with.

On the other hand ducks sometimes stay out of the water due to dangers such as snappers.

If the ducks regularly go to the edge of the pond without going in I would just let them get in on their own time.

 

[Debbie292d]

Ours just have a turtle sand box. The creek down below, they haven't found yet. That turtle sat there full of water for two weeks before they'd touch it. Not the same thing, but similar issue. Just that they had to get used to it I guess.

That old saying, ".....like a duck to water," is true, when and if they are used to it.

 

[ducklovingdeb]

Caution: I have zero knowledge of ducks, other than their cuteness!


Is there any chance that there are snapping turtles in your pond?

Would some sort of ramp easing into the water work? Some useless piece of leftover plywood, for instance. Something you don't care about it falling apart after being partially in the water.

Never thought of the ramp idea. Ill try it for sure

 

[ducklovingdeb]

Have you tried tossing floating feed close to the edge and then gradually further out?

I have not, but another promising idea I will try.