Well, you can always try it and see how it goes! If a kiddie pool works for a pond then maybe you can make it work. I live in a HOA and have a Bantam Cochin that I have as a house chicken. She forages outside in front and back, but sleeps inside and is in her house when we are at work. As a matter of fact, I am shopping for a bigger house for her. Ducks are different and messier for sure...but look into this thread I am on for house chickens and it has duck info too. Probably very helpful. Also, Look into your HOA rules and see what it says about pets. Where I live, we can have 4 hens as long as they are not breaking noise ordinance...quiet after 10pm. My girl...Peep...is tiny...size of a very small dog so totally manageable. And 2 of my neighbors grew up with chickens and adore her...thank goodness