Using a Kiddy Wading Pool? Don't Mke the Mistake I Did.

[Going Quackers]

About a year old this month. Water gets changed frequently, and once I put the blocks in the problem disappeared. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. The cold weather may have had something to do with it. We did have a cooler winter here.

That is very odd, don't get me wrong i am not questioning your care, just i have had young ducks only a couple months old manage ours, i did stop putting cement blocks IN the water though, there is some chatter they let off chemicals so i only use them on the outside now. Never had an issue but i figured best not too.

Here is a pic of one of my pools, to show it's sizing, classic round kiddy pool. We were right there with these little ones before anyone thinks we left them alone lol I also have a smaller D-shaped pool which you can see off to the right.

 

[jdywntr]

Very sorry for the losses. I too find it unusual. My kiddie pools are about 12" high so with water in there, the ducks, even ducklings are able to get out.

I wouldn't worry about cement blocks leaching chemicals as we all are constantly filling and emptying the pools, usually daily. So, chemicals don't have time to build up. If it was a formed garden pond (not a natural one) that was not emptied as often, I'd be concerned.


You don't have too many drakes do you? I know drowning can be a problem then or if you have even 2 overly amourous boys.

 

[OldGuy43]

You don't have too many drakes do you? I know drowning can be a problem then or if you have even 2 overly amourous boys.

No drakes, just hens.

 

[jdywntr]

Okay. Again sorry for the loss. Maybe they just panicked eachother and got exhausted. I'm glad you were able to find a solution with the pavers.

 

[OldGuy43]

Okay. Again sorry for the loss. Maybe they just panicked eachother and got exhausted.

Doubt it. They each died on separate days.

 

[missnu01]

Very sorry for the losses. I too find it unusual. My kiddie pools are about 12" high so with water in there, the ducks, even ducklings are able to get out.

I wouldn't worry about cement blocks leaching chemicals as we all are constantly filling and emptying the pools, usually daily. So, chemicals don't have time to build up. If it was a formed garden pond (not a natural one) that was not emptied as often, I'd be concerned.


You don't have too many drakes do you? I know drowning can be a problem then or if you have even 2 overly amourous boys.

I grew up on Lake Murray in SC, and during mating season a ridiculous amount of dead female ducks would float ashore because a gang of males will fly around and just pounce on the first female they see, thus drowning her with their love...
The soft side inflatable kiddie pools wouldn't be as much of a problem I feel like because a duck should be able to make enough purchase to get themselves out. I can't imagine an adult duck getting stuck and drowning in only 10 inches of water though.

 

[wildpeas]

Sorry for your losses, OP, but I too find it a little odd. My ducks are also a year old now and they frequently get into the goose pool, it doesn't have any blocks because the geese wont use them, and they never have trouble getting out. If mine really want out then they use their wings to help them. I have had to break up a few mating rituals in the smaller pool among my girls because the bottom duck was struggling to breathe.

 

[Quack Addict]

I don't understand them drowning unless held under during mating or fighting. We have a 2.5 acre pond and have both Pekin and Welsh Harlequins and both breeds can be seen sleeping on open water from time to time. If they can sleep and float I don't see why one would ever drown without "help".

 

[missnu01]

Ducklings can drown, because they don't have their nifty bouyant feathers that allow them to glide for hours without even swimming. They have to keep moving their little feet to stay afloat, but once they have their feathers it is super hard to drown a duck unless it is getting held under...
Could there be something else going on?
If they in fact were drowning because they couldn't escape the pool I have to think it was some serious darwinism at work. I hate that your ducks died, but I think we might need to look into this a little further...
How old were the ducks in question? Because in 10 in of water an adult duck could just stand up and not even have to swim or float...

 

[jdywntr]

Ducks, even adults, can become waterlogged and can drown if they can't get out of the water.