TheChookKeeper Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Hello all, We are about to put in a small "pond", which will give our 2 silver appleyards, and the 2 indian runner ducklings (when they're big enough) space to have a quick swim, and a nice splash around. We've decided to put gravel or pebbles all around the pond, in an effort to catch some of the water that they launch all over the place, and that drops off them as they hop out. 2 questions: 1. How wide would you make this area? I was thinking probably only 6-8" or so - but perhaps wider would be better? 2. Should I use pebbles or gravel, and what sort of size "grains"? Also, I assume rounded bits are better than non-rounded. I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that gravel wasn't good for their feet - but I wouldn't imagine pebbles of 1" or so in size are very confortable to land on from their new pond!!! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Hello - we have our duck pond set on a sump - a deep pit filled with gravel - so that when we empty it the water soaks away more easily as it was making our lawn soooooo wet and soggy. The top layer of gravel was sharp pointy stuff, 20-30mm size, but this beds down to a flat area quite quickly and ours seem to have managed it well. There is an area of about 12" around the pond which they walk on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Fab - thanks! I'm going to try using a pump to empty it to start with at least. My dad is a plumber, and has recommended me a pump, which he reckons will do the job - should shift my 275L of water in just under 3 minutes!!! I'll stick some pics/details up when it's underway. I ordered the pond last night - very exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 I'd be interested to hear about the pump It needs to be able to deal with a lot of erm......sludge! As soon as a ducks bottom hits the water it will poop! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheChookKeeper Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Oh yes, I know that only too well! They have a big terracotta (not the best thing to lift when full of water, I can assure you!) bowl that I got from Ikea last year that they have used as a bath thus far - it's done well, and was great for them when they were smaller... but now they are fully grown, it is rather too small for them! The pump I'm looking at is designed to clear flooded areas, like basements, gardens etc. - it is called a "dirty water pump", as it is designed to suck up "lumps"!!! I am working on the assumption that with the ducks, I don't tend to get "lumps" as such, more like "silt". I'm hoping I'll be able to stick my arm (or something without nerve endings in the winter!) in there to stir it up a bit, then plug the mighty pump in, and have it suck it all out. But yes, as I say, I'll start a thread with some pictures when I get going (this weekend hopefully! Unless I get impatient - which is VERY likely... especially with light evenings!!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
