They hate my pond!

[sagealbright]

My Pekin Ducks were hatched in March. We got them around three weeks old. Ever since they started to feather out we tried to get them used to water. They loved it. So we decided to build a giant pond for them to swim in. Two weeks ago we finished the pond and sat waiting for them to find it. That never happened. After a few days of waiting I finally corralled them over to the edge of the water and jumped in. They swam around for about an hour, got out, and never went back. They insist on "swimming" in a litter box we went and got for them when they were little to splash in. Tonight I walked behind them until they finally got to the edge of the pond, they jumped in and played for about 10 minutes, then got out. I'm not sure if they can't find it on their own. It's only about 10 feet away from their own. Or if they just don't like it. I know there isn't anything such as snapping turtles in it. We just put it in so it's crystal clear and we haven't even put any fish or plants in it yet. Has anyone else had this problem? I just want my ducks to swim like they are "supposed to".

 

[fletch21]

If you put there shelter right near the pond and put feed there, also take away their "liter box" if there shelter and food are there and the liter box is gone they will have no choice but to get use to it. I had the same problem with my pekin ducks but once they get used to it they will swim all the time. Also try running a hose in it time to time they love the sound of running water.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

This is normal. Just let them get used to it. Maybe throw some floating food in there.

 

[sagealbright]

If you put there shelter right near the pond and put feed there, also take away their "liter box" if there shelter and food are there and the liter box is gone they will have no choice but to get use to it. I had the same problem with my pekin ducks but once they get used to it they will swim all the time. Also try running a hose in it time to time they love the sound of running water.

I will definitely be taking away their other smaller "pond". Tried throwing lettuce in it today and they just looked at it but once I got them in they are it. We built a waterfall for it so they can hear the running water all the time.

 

[fletch21]

I will definitely be taking away their other smaller "pond". Tried throwing lettuce in it today and they just looked at it but once I got them in they are it. We built a waterfall for it so they can hear the running water all the time.

that's good they just need time they will get used to it and love it