4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[ajayb]

We have only had ducks since July and made a really big pond for them, which they loved. I say 'loved', because they haven't been near it for about 2-3 weeks now.

 

They used to make a bee-line for it as soon as they were released in the morning and spent most of the day in and out of it (sometimes even sleeping on it).

 

We are in central Scotland and the ducks are Khaki Campbells (about 6 -7 months old and laying an egg each every day): is it because the weather has turned colder? They make full use of all the other water containers in the garden and fields, but just aren't swimming or submerging themselves anymore.

 

Any info/reassurance would be appreciated!

[Guest]

Hi

 

I found the weather didnt make a bit of difference to the campbells I had they use to stand on the pond when it was frozen solid, unless something has frightened them nearby ie fox in locality etc.

 

I suppose they are happy with other options. I usually know if something has spooked the mallards as they may disappear for a while??

 

indie

[MA0778]

my appleyards stoped using there pond for a few days,

i had the hose pipe on cleaning the patio down and when i was not using it i put it in the pond when the pond started to overflow the ducks jumped in , i think the water level was to low for them, hope this helps

ma

[Mayo]

Hi Aj,

 

You could try putting on half-a-dozen swimming costumes and seeing how long you are happy to stay in the water . . .

Sorry !!

 

Lots of ducks aren't terribly keen on cold water; but more likely, I think, is that they are settling in now and feeling more secure. Often ducks will spend more time on the water where they feel safer to start with; then, when they're happy, they don't feel the the need to 'escape' on to the water and will be happy to spend more time on terra firma.

Bet they'll be back on the water with renewed enthusiasm when the weather warms up next year.

 

Can't go without registering a severe attack of jealousy.

I'm off next week to Dumfries & Galloway to house-hunt.

Don't really care about the bricks and mortar; all I want is a piece of land big enough to allow me to have " 3 Kune Kune pigs & 6 Hebridean sheep & 2 black Labradors "

And a largish pond for lots of ducks, of course, (and even a chicken or six) !!

(Just missed out, earlier this year, thanks to 'your' weird buying/selling system up there, on a lovely little house with a 180ft garden ending at a loch with a derelict landing-stage; so I have high hopes of something similar being available now).

 

Cheers.

 

Max.

 

.

[ajayb]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice - I feel a bit more reassured.

 

And, Max, your house is out there somewhere - you just have to be absolutely relentless in its pursuit once you find something you want - good luck!

[ajayb]

Ducks returned to the pond last Friday!

 

On the minus side, if I don't let them out of their duck house by 7.30am they start throwing themselves at the door!!