What size pond should I get?

[Landyn_Schulte]

So I have 3, 3 week old ducks and I am wondering what size pool or mini pond should they have to be able to float an enjoy it?

 

[Aunt Angus]

My 5 do just fine in a large kiddie pool. I do have to change the water frequently, though. It stays clean for a couple of hours - lol!

If you're thinking more permanent, I'd go larger - maybe 5+ sq ft of surface space per bird. I'm putting in a pond this spring, and I'm looking at 40 sq ft with 2 bog filters in an attempt to keep it passably clean.

Man, ducks are filthy.

 

[ruthhope]

I have my ducklings swimming in a washing up bowl at that age! They will go into a child’s wading pool, but you must not leave them unattended there as they will get water laden and drown.

Ducklings are not big enough to bath unattended in a pool until their have their feathers.

If you can get a Little Tikes green turtle sand pit, they are robust and last longer than blue wading pools. I found one at the curbside on trash day -- complete with lid -- for my ducks. i then advertised on NextDoor for one for my son's duck and was given one within 2 hours of posting. Grandchildren grow out of sandpits, and grandparents also like ducks. Tell folks what you want to use it for when you advertise.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have my ducklings swimming in a washing up bowl at that age! They will go into a child’s wading pool, but you must not leave them unattended there as they will get water laden and drown.

Ducklings are not big enough to bath unattended in a pool until their have their feathers.

If you can get a Little Tikes green turtle sand pit, they are robust and last longer than blue wading pools. I found one at the curbside on trash day -- complete with lid -- for my ducks. i then advertised on NextDoor for one for my son's duck and was given one within 2 hours of posting. Grandchildren grow out of sandpits, and grandparents also like ducks. Tell folks what you want to use it for when you advertise.

Lucky find!

Yeah, at 3 weeks, mine were still in the bathtub. But I took them out on warm days in a kiddie pool filled just a few inches deep.

 

[raingarden]

At that age use a shallow pan only an inch or so deep. You will need larger and larger containers as they age. My five pekin are nearly mature and graduated to a thousand gallon fish pond. Now it too is dirty and nasty and they need something bigger.

 

[Aunt Angus]

At that age use a shallow pan only an inch or so deep. You will need larger and larger containers as they age. My five pekin are nearly mature and graduated to a thousand gallon fish pond. Now it too is dirty and nasty and they need something bigger.

RIGHT???!?!?!! I still have a large kiddie pool. I change it every 1-2 days. Ew.

 

[aart]

I'm putting in a pond this spring, and I'm looking at 40 sq ft with 2 bog filters in an attempt to keep it passably clean.

A bog filter will not remove the build up of poop,
and not likely to remove the bacteria produced by said poop breaking down.

 

[deek248]

A bog filter will not remove the build up of poop,
and not likely to remove the bacteria produced by said poop breaking down.

TRUTH!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Oh, well. Back to the drawing board. All of the duck pond websites I've seen have recommended that plus biofilters. I often feel like such an idiot when I express my ideas.

Just ignore my advice.

 

[deek248]

Oh, well. Back to the drawing board. All of the duck pond websites I've seen have recommended that plus biofilters. I often feel like such an idiot when I express my ideas.

Just ignore my advice.

Filter on a duck pond needs to be huge. i don't even bother with one. Mine is 12'x4'x15" 3 call size ducks and 2 Rouen. Drain and refill weekly