pond trees and ducks, snakes, etc...

[aladatrot]

I have two male ducks in one of my ponds on the farm. Last year, I brought in a couple of oak trees, crepe myrtles, wax myrtles, and a bald cypress to give the pond a little landscaping. Now, I'm wanting to bring in a few more trees and I bought some huge sago palms for the burm. Is there anything I need to stay away from for the safety of the ducks? Also, we will be bringing in banana trees as a screen. I'm afraid of snakes being in them, but someone told me that the ducks will keep the snakes away. Is this true?

Cheers
M

 

[jimmoose]

We've had very few problems with snakes on our pond. I would like to
believe that the ducks and geese keep them at bay just with their activity
in and around the pond. The thing we have the most trouble with is the
turtles. Any that I see are quickly dispatched. We have the alligator turtles
that are mean and bite. We have some of the sliders that are harmless
but I was reading somewhere that they all will grab a small duck and
pull him under and drown them before eating them. I have no idea if
thats true or not but I'm not taking any chances on it. We have two fish
feeders on our pond that go off twice a day and the turtles (whats left
of them) will come out when they spread fish food.
The turtles make excellent target practice for those hunters that would
like to hone their skills for hunting season. I hope that doesn't offend anyone.
We live on a barrier island in South Carolina and have lots of snakes
but I've yet to see one in or around the pond in the last three years with the ducks and geese. Keeping the banks clear will also help tremendously.
jim

 

[EricShane]

thats a lovely pond! I too, would like to know the answers to your ?'s

 

[KathyR]

Last year I was walking up to my barn and saw the tail end of a snake hanging out of my ducks mouth. Before I could do anything she had swallowed it. I couldn't believe it. Is that normal for a duck to eat a snake?

Kathy

 

[KathyR]

By the way, that is an absolutely fabulous pond. We only have kiddy pools.
Kathy

 

[Wifezilla]

Considering my 4 week old baby khaki/buff duck almost took my finger off while gobbling up a huge nightcrawler, I would guess YES!!!