My ducks don't like their pond

[MolliMonster99]

Hi all!

Our ducks have a small pond in their run, along with a tub of water to drink from. We clean the pond once or twice a week and give them clean drinking water daily. The pond isn't too long, but it is quite deep. However, my ducks prefer to sit in the small tub and clean themselves/splash around? It literally can only fit 1 duck in it at a time, but they love to get in and splash around. I don't understand why they don't use their pond for this?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can they get into the pond easily? maybe some pictures of the setup?

 

[MolliMonster99]

Can they get into the pond easily? maybe some pictures of the setup?

They can get in and out with no problems! This is an old picture (I promise the area is a lot cleaner now, so please no judgement!) There is also a ramp to help them get out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Well that sure looks like it would work. LOL who knows what goes on in the mind of a duck that they wouldn't just get right in there and have a fun splash.

 

[addctd2plnts]

How long have they had the deeper pond? Ducks take a long time to get used to anything new. My experience is that once one duck gets in, they will all like it. I'd pick up a duck or two and put them into it. It' fine if they get right out. Eventually, they'll figure out nothing bad happens LOL

 

[MolliMonster99]

Well that sure looks like it would work. LOL who knows what goes on in the mid of a duck that they wouldn't just get right in there and have a fun splash.

They're just weirdos

 

[MolliMonster99]

How long have they had the deeper pond? Ducks take a long time to get used to anything new. My experience is that once one duck gets in, they will all like it. I'd pick up a duck or two and put them into it. It' fine if they get right out. Eventually, they'll figure out nothing bad happens LOL

They've had it for just under a year now. They did have a smaller pond that wasn't as deep, but then we moved to this larger one. They do occasionally go in it, but it's not often

 

[cheezenkwackers]

My ducks have always had both, small horse feed bowls and bigger pools. They all prefer the smaller ones, especially in the morning. Later, in the afternoon heat, they will float in the bigger ones. I think we would prefer a bigger pool so we think they should too. Maybe the little one feels safer to them?

 

[MolliMonster99]

My ducks have always had both, small horse feed bowls and bigger pools. They all prefer the smaller ones, especially in the morning. Later, in the afternoon heat, they will float in the bigger ones. I think we would prefer a bigger pool so we think they should too. Maybe the little one feels safer to them?

That actually does make sense... Do you think I should maybe go back to the smaller pond? It was a lot easier to clean out and I do remember them using it more... It's just that we upgraded due to adding 2 more ducks (we have 8). Do you think this will matter?

 

[cheezenkwackers]

That actually does make sense... Do you think I should maybe go back to the smaller pond? It was a lot easier to clean out and I do remember them using it more... It's just that we upgraded due to adding 2 more ducks (we have 8). Do you think this will matter?

Up to you. The advantage of several smaller pools is that every gets to swim vs one duck hogging one pool. They are also easier to empty and fill. As you can see in the picture below, they will use both. I change the little ones daily but the big one, only every two or three days. I also use an electric pump to empty the large one.