Like a duck to water...NOT

[patnjess]

So I have put my ducklings in my front koi pond a couple of times, its really warm, like bathwater!
And they hate it! they freak and jump out. Sigh....

 

[froggie71]

LOL. Our Pekins and some of our mixed ducklings did that when I first introduced them to water. It was so funny. Now you can't keep them away.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

at first they'll do that put after u putting them in a couple times they will love it you won't be able to get them out of it!

 

[Kim65]

They are probably afraid of the koi. I think they have an instinctual fear of snapping turtles and other duckling eating water creatures (whether the pond is completely empty or not). Probably if YOU get in there with them . . .

 

[AmberH]

My ducks are 7 weeks old and still HATE the water. I have a pond in my front yard that they won't even go near.

My cousin (who lives 1/4 mile from me) has the siblings to my ducks and two mallards. His ducks LOVE water more than anything else. He came up with the idea "monkey see, monkey do." We had a duck play date! My two followed his into the creek no problem and stayed in for nearly an hour. But, they still won't go near the pond at my house. Hum...

 

[suburbanduckmom]

Is the pond dark? Can they see the bottom? Is it easy to get in and out of?

My ducks didn't like getting in water if the pond was too deep or dark at first. They still don't like the bigger kiddie pool. They prefer the small baby pond that has steps to get in and out of. They didn't like the ramp.

 

[AmberH]

Is the pond dark? Yes. Is it deep and can they see the bottom? No.

I guess they could be intimidated by it. I thought about it but when I had Muscovies, they had no problem getting in the water.

 

[froggie71]

Quote:
I first tried putting our newest ducklings in a clear paint tray, so they definitely could see the bottom and the could easily get out of it. This they were afraid of. Then I tried a clear plastic Sterlite container that was bigger, but they could still see. They jumped right out of it. What they didn't mind and quite enjoyed was a black trough. This the loved to dive in.

Seems they just have to make up their own minds on what they like in their own time.

 

[nettie]

My ducks hate their kiddie pool, go figure... The won't go anywhere near it unless i tempt them with treats... Only some will go in, while the sticklers will stand on the edge to get the treats... stinker ducks... lol. Now, if it's a lukewarm bath in the tub, they all jump in!

 

[patnjess]

the pond is clear and nice, and easy to get in and out. They went in for the first time for a few, and the 14 inch koi nibbled on ones foot, and sent them reeling. Do you think they are afraid of the fish. As for me getting in there, well now, that would just scare everyone.