Pond help.

[BRowell]

We have a few ducks of varying breeds that we rescued at different times over the past 3 years. As of right now, we are using multiple kiddie pools for them. I'd like to know what would be better? I know they need more room but I've also got to be able to clean the pools. If we dig, wont the water soak back into the ground? Does anyone have andy inexpensive ideas as to improve the amount of water room they have?
Side question, why are they so aggressive when mating? My females are bald.

 

[Ratchnick]

You need to use a pond liner to keep your water in place. Lots of ways to do it just make sure you have an easy way to drain it. Check google for good videos. What's your drake to duck ratio?

 

[Isaac 0]

Depends on your soil composition, I have fairly clay soil so my pond stays filled most of the year if you have sandy soil you're going to have a harder time, The way the land slopes also plays a big role as well. I'll provide you with a link to test whether your pond should stay filled or not.

https://www.peakprosperity.com/testing-your-soil-for-a-pond-site/

 

[nchls school]

With new ducklings hatching (I hope-from shipped eggs) I'm wondering the same thing as I have no natural pong/stream, etc. Ducks are messy and there's no getting around the fact that a small water filled "pond" is going to have to be cleaned. Something metal or plastic would be the easiest to clean, but... I have no wish to use a kiddie pool so I'm thinking of digging in a pond that has a heavy plastic liner like that used in koi pools and goldfish ponds. I know those liners can get expensive and I also know lumber yards carry heavy plastic sheeting at a much lower price.

 

[Isaac 0]

Sounds like you have too many males.

 

[BRowell]

You need to use a pond liner to keep your water in place. Lots of ways to do it just make sure you have an easy way to drain it. Check google for good videos. What's your drake to duck ratio?

I believe I have 3 drakes and 3 Hens.

 

[Isaac 0]

I believe I have 3 drakes and 3 Hens.

You either need to get rid of two of the drakes or buy around 12 more hens.

 

[BRowell]

Oh wow. I had no idea. Thank you

 

[TLWR]

I built a raised pond 9 years ago from landscape timers. Landscape timbers have a lifespan of about 9 years here. So we disassembled the old pond and built them a much smaller concrete block raised pond.
We use a skippy filter. While the water doesn't stay clear, it is usable. I would empty out the big pond about once a year or less. We'll see how this smaller one goes. I did not build it with a drain installed, will just use a pump to empty it. And using a smaller skippy filter which we can just dump when we need to get the ick out.

new concrete block pond (3'x6' interior - around 100 gallons)

Old landscape timber pond - about 1000 gallons