How much time does a duck need in a pond daily

[Mary-Ellen]

I have a duck who gets bullied by another duck. She swims in the pond first thing in the morning when they all go in but gets chased out almost every other time of the day. She is also not allowed to go in their pool at night. Will her health suffer if she can't swim very much? Or does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Usually once day would suffice but im sure she would love being in the pool more often have you tried time out with your bully? Sometimes keeping the bully separated changes up the dominance to when the bully becomes low in flock.

 

[Mary-Ellen]

Usually once day would suffice but im sure she would love being in the pool more often have you tried time out with your bully? Sometimes keeping the bully separated changes up the dominance to when the bully becomes low in flock.

I was hoping that the bully would become less aggressive when mating season was over. Is that possible? I could try to separate the bully but I think all 5 ducks would revolt.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I was hoping that the bully would become less aggressive when mating season was over. Is that possible? I could try to separate the bully but I think all 5 ducks would revolt.

Is the bully a drake or a hen?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well it may be worth trying so your duck that is being tormented could live a less stressful life.

 

[Mary-Ellen]

She's in the pond now but not hanging out with the others. The bully is a drake and he's chosen two mates whom he's nice to but a total jerk to the other duck. I have another drake who is basically apolitical.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

She's in the pond now but not hanging out with the others. The bully is a drake and he's chosen two mates whom he's nice to but a total jerk to the other duck. I have another drake who is basically apolitical.

I would separate during mating season. Many people separate or have a drake jail for mating season (including myself). I would be worried about him over mating his favorites and not only chasing the non favorites from water, but also food. I would also recommend picking up your duck that has been bullied and feeling her breastbone to make sure she's not underweight. I wouldn't be worried about the females missing him they usually get over the drakes being separated fairly quickly. The first week mine will pace around the drake area and then after that they just walk right past the boys without a second thought to go forage. Honestly I think they enjoy the break and freedom.

 

[Mary-Ellen]

The other two ducks are fine and I'm pretty sure that the bullied one is getting enough to eat - they free range and she gets pellets and (mostly) her fair share of treats. I've never separated ducks before. I guess I could do it first thing in the morning but they have to sleep in the same house.

 

[Mary-Ellen]

I have separated ducks. Little bullied duck and her friend have the run of the pond and she's living it up. Even if it's for a few hours a day it will be an improvement I hope

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just taking that little bit of stress out of her life has to help alot. Many have to use drake jail over the worst part of breeding season.