Thoughts on temporarily housing goldens with ducks?

[trishmk]

I've been interested in getting pheasants for quite awhile and as usually happens the opportunity to get a pair of goldens came up before their enclosure is ready. Lots of weather delays etc - looks like it will be a at least a couple of weeks before it's ready for the birds. I've got them in a 48"x30"x38" wire kennel for now - they are doing ok but I know they would prefer some more space. I've got a 14' Octagon Aviary with a pair each of wood ducks, hooded mergansers and calls. A good portion of the aviary is a central pond... I know there is enough room for the pheasants and although housing with ducks might not be ideal I'd like to give them more room. I'm concerned mostly about the pond - they are pretty flighty.... if they get themselves into it would they be able to get out?

 

[destinduck]

It looks like they could get out. I have kept a trio of red goldens in my duck pen for years . I have kiddie pools. I have never had a problem with adult birds but have lost a coupla youngsters growing out. If They had a way to walk out they would have made it.

 

[trishmk]

Maybe I should put in some sort of ramp just in case. Weather looks good for the weekend so I think I'll give it a try. Thanks!

 

[Lophura]

Agree with destinduck, you should be fine. Over the years at home & in public collections, I've worked/kept galliformes with waterfowl together. Never had any problems. Most recently, 2009, Swinhoe with various ducks in a large planted aviary.

Follow some of Monte's posts http://www.gbwf.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6509 He has several photos both on the new forum & old with mixed species aviaries.

Dan

 

[trishmk]

Thanks for the link, Dan. Great site!

 

[PetersonD]

That's a nice area for your birds... I agree the goldens should do okay in there... How do you supply water for your pond and does it have a drain?

 

[trishmk]

Thanks! My husband built it for me. The pond has a 2" (maybe 3"?) drain -the PVC comes out down the hill a bit - I just open a valve and it dumps out. I then hose it out and refill - the big rock in the middle there acts as a waterfall - it has fresh water hooked to it and also has a recirculating line but I haven't hooked a pump up to it yet. I generally clean once a week but during the hot part of the summer it needs it every few days.

The goldens have been in there a few days now and seem to be doing well.