My Worst Predator: The Pond

[ducks_rcool329]

So Today I lost my second hen to dorwning in my duck pond in the past 4 months. :'(
I can't figure out how or why they seem to be attracked to the pond. Does anyone have any fancy tricks to keep chickens away/out of the pond?
Thanks

 

[jak2002003]

I think something strange is going on with your birds! I have 2 small ponds, and one have very steep sides with a low water level (its a decorative fountain thing). Many times I have seem one of my chickens fall into the water (usually a rooster trying to escape from a fight). They are very capable of getting out. They can swim to some extent too. One roo swam about until his rival was out of sight before flying out!

Even my hens that have clipped wings get out easily.

Do you have geese or any aggressive drakes? Your chickens could be getting attacked by a drake wanting to mate and then drowning her by mistake. Keep an eye out!

 

[kidcody]

I was thinking the same thing!

I think something strange is going on with your birds! I have 2 small ponds, and one have very steep sides with a low water level (its a decorative fountain thing). Many times I have seem one of my chickens fall into the water (usually a rooster trying to escape from a fight). They are very capable of getting out. They can swim to some extent too. One roo swam about until his rival was out of sight before flying out!

Even my hens that have clipped wings get out easily.

Do you have geese or any aggressive drakes? Your chickens could be getting attacked by a drake wanting to mate and then drowning her by mistake. Keep an eye out!

 

[Shireshome]

I had this happen a few times. In my case it was a dog that was chasing them and in the flurry they'd end up in the duck pond. So maybe it could be something along those lines. If not a dog, maybe a hawk?

Good luck.

 

[QuackerJackFarms]

Does your pond have snapping turtles? They will grab their legs, pull them under to drown them and then attempt to push them in the mud for later.

Just a thought.

ETA: Wait a sec... you're talking about a chicken. My bad! Disregard the turtles.