Will our muscovies use our pond?

[Steffanyace]

We just got three muscovies a few weeks ago. Today was the first day that I let one of the ducks out to free range. I started with the drake thinking he wouldn't take off if his girls were still in the coop. I gently herded him towards the pond (about 30' away) thinking he would probably appreciate a good swim or at least a great bathing opportunity. Other than taking a drink he was not interested in the water and headed right back for his girls. He spent the whole day within 10 feet of the coop. :/

The place I got them from did not have a pond. Do you think that is why he didn't want to go in the pond? I think he just that he didn't want to be apart from his girls, but it did get me wondering how they would take to the pond once all three of them are free ranging together. They will eventually get comfy with the pond, right?

I know, I know . . . It is a dumb question, but I'm genuinely curious to hear if someone else had similar experiences and how it turned out.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ian4379]

they will most certainly use the pond. he's in a new environment so he's probably just being cautious, once they get used to things they'll be swimming for sure.

 

[Miss Lydia]

We just got three muscovies a few weeks ago. Today was the first day that I let one of the ducks out to free range. I started with the drake thinking he wouldn't take off if his girls were still in the coop. I gently herded him towards the pond (about 30' away) thinking he would probably appreciate a good swim or at least a great bathing opportunity. Other than taking a drink he was not interested in the water and headed right back for his girls. He spent the whole day within 10 feet of the coop.

The place I got them from did not have a pond. Do you think that is why he didn't want to go in the pond? I think he just that he didn't want to be apart from his girls, but it did get me wondering how they would take to the pond once all three of them are free ranging together. They will eventually get comfy with the pond, right?
I know, I know . . . It is a dumb question, but I'm genuinely curious to hear if someone else had similar experiences and how it turned out.
Thanks in advance!

Ponds are wonderful and most ducks love them, but Muscovies aren't typical ducks, they like water and will bath but aren't as prone to staying on the pond as other ducks, they are tree dwellers too. Another thing to consider before you let them out is what is under the water? snapping turtles are a big risk to ducks they will bite feet off or severely injure a duck even eat ducklings, so before letting them out on your pond you might want to see if you have any. Just a warning since we have seen many a poster saying about their ducklings and ducks being hurt by snappers.

 

[Going Quackers]

Since i only have Muscovy, i have noticed some are more yay! water than others.. my one junior... he's (4mths Aug 4) adores the water, he is in the pool several times a day.. yet others? it'll be days before they go in one. My youngest ones(7wks) bathe all the time.. they cram themselves in the smallest of pools still

Predators in the pond are something to be cautious of as mentioned! we don't have any here, which I am glad.. as snappers are around.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Since i only have Muscovy, i have noticed some are more yay! water than others.. my one junior... he's (4mths Aug 4) adores the water, he is in the pool several times a day.. yet others? it'll be days before they go in one. My youngest ones(7wks) bathe all the time.. they cram themselves in the smallest of pools still

Predators in the pond are something to be cautious of as mentioned! we don't have any here, which I am glad.. as snappers are around.

My youngest love to sit in the pool too.

 

[Steffanyace]

I haven't seen any alligator snappers. We did have sliders. My husband has taken care of most of them. I have a PVC turtle trap in the pond right now for any remaining turtles.

 

[jdywntr]

He also was probably a bit nervous being out alone. Since they are flock animals, he probably just wanted to be with his girls.

 

[Miss Lydia]

He also was probably a bit nervous being out alone. Since they are flock animals, he probably just wanted to be with his girls.

True my ducks deff like to hang together.