Planning a small backyard duck pond - Should trees or trellis provide the shade for it?

[4HPoultrymom]

Hi - We have raised chickens for many years, and love having them. Now hope to add a couple of ducks to our menagerie. We need to create a small pond and it gets hot in the summer in the California Central Valley, so I would like advice on what to plant to provide shade for the pond. Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

[cavemanrich]

What is the approximate size of pond you want to have.? If it is something you will dig up with a backhoe, how deep do you intend to make it.? If you will have just a small fiberglass/plastic shell liner, than things are also different.
All, depending on the size, have you given consideration on how you will keep the water relatively clean? Filtration of duck ponds can get quite complex. Small swimming pool type usually get water pumped out into garden, and refilled with fresh, as often as need indicates. Larger ground formed ponds, would have vegetation growing on banks to naturally use up the soiled water for growth of plant.
I am not totally sure, about the need for shade. I think sunlight is beneficial to water quality. Even if you go with a small plastic pool, for the duck pond, I don't think water would get too hot for the ducks. You can always opt for one of these shade canopies.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and