Why won’t my ducks go to their pond in their own?

[njc1037]

I built my 4 Pekin ducks (about 9 weeks old) a pond about 150 ft away from their coop and run. I am wondering why they don’t want to swim on their own? They have free range of my property all day but spend the whole time in their run. They won’t go to the pond unless I usher them over to the water, at which point they will swim/dive for a bit before making their way back to their coop area on their own. Is it an issue of confidence? Just hoping they will be able to forage the whole property at some point and not just a 10x25 fenced in area.

I feel kind of foolish complaining that my ducks WONT leave, but I just want them to live a fulfilling life. Thank you in advance!

 

[Debbie292d]

Is there a possibility of any predators there? They may be wary of something. If not, then it's obviously natural for ducks to go to the water, but they also take forever to adapt to change. I would just give it more time. I'm sure within the next week you'll see them going to the pond and spending most of their day there.

 

[ruthhope]

At 9 weeks old, they are still youngsters and showing a healthy distrust of things unknown

 

[BoundlessLove]

They possibly have imprinted on you.
You’re their “Mama” and they may be waiting for you to take them to the pond.

 

[Tram]

@njc1037 don't fret, I posted a similar post with my two female Cayuga's. For the longest time, they would just get their feet wet and stay close to the shore line. It was about six months before they were some what comfortable around the pond. It wasn't until I introduced a Rouen Drake (approx. 2yr old) is when they came out of their shell so to speak. Looking back, it was just patience on my part.

 

[njc1037]

Is there a possibility of any predators there? They may be wary of something. If not, then it's obviously natural for ducks to go to the water, but they also take forever to adapt to change. I would just give it more time. I'm sure within the next week you'll see them going to the pond and spending most of their day there.

I do notice that they watch the sky occasionally when a vulture or crow flies over. I haven’t seen any predators on the ground, but that of course doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Thank you for the insight, I’ll give them some time to adjust!

 

[sourland]

At 9 weeks old, they are still youngsters and showing a healthy distrust of things unknown

And teen aged ducklings frequently seem to go through a fearful stage.

 

[njc1037]

They possibly have imprinted on you.
You’re their “Mama” and they may be waiting for you to take them to the pond.

They possibly have imprinted on you.
You’re their “Mama” and they may be waiting for you to take them to the pond.

@njc1037 don't fret, I posted a similar post with my two female Cayuga's. For the longest time, they would just get their feet wet and stay close to the shore line. It was about six months before they were some what comfortable around the pond. It wasn't until I introduced a Rouen Drake (approx. 2yr old) is when they came out of their shell so to speak. Looking back, it was just patience on my part.

That’s great to know! You’re right, it’s just a matter of patience. Thank you for sharing your experience - it’s my first time raising ducks so I am grateful for any advice!

 

[njc1037]

And teen aged ducklings frequently seem to go through a fearful stage.

I didn’t know that! Thank you for the information