chicken bark Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am beginning to relax a little more with my new ducks. Today I witnessed them eating and they seemed a bit more accepting of me. So fingers crossed things are heading in the right direction. They have a feed bowl, drinker (chicken type), and a paddling pool. So far I have only seen them dunk their heads in the pool water (and drink it), they seem to be ignoring the ramp and certainly show no interest in getting into it. I am assuming this is because they only had access to a 'bucket' at the breeders. How can I encourage them to get in the paddling pool? Or should I just be pleased they only want to dunk their heads in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuckyduckspenno Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Hi there, How long have you had the pool in with them and how steep is your ramp? My first ramp was little too steep. I got a lower one with some bricks but it still took a few days for my 8 week old mini silver appleyards to be that interested. In fact one of them went in - got scared - and flapped straight back out and did not venture near for another week. Suddenly, they both decided they liked it and now I can't get them out. Also, make sure there is something in the pool they can stand on to get out easily. Good luck Wuckyduck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 7, 2010 Author Share Posted September 7, 2010 I've only had the ducks since Saturday Wuckyduck so I suppose I am expecting a bit too much too soon. The ramp is quite low and there is a ledge inside it so getting out shouldn't be a problem. I think I just need to be more patient with them. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 7, 2010 Author Share Posted September 7, 2010 I changed their pond water Monday morning and will need to do it tomorrow. Considering they are not swimming in it I amazed how mucky it gets. I guess they are using it for something. I have been thinking about putting a step made of bricks at the edge of the pool so they climb steps into it. I'm assuming ducks can cope with steps? I guess it is just a case of finding out what works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuckyduckspenno Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 Good news - they can do steps as well as ramps. They just take to get ued to their surroundings. I saw another of your posts and your ramp looks fine - perhaps the bricks inside the pond to help them get out? - They are not the most elegant! I see you are about as patient as I am! These girls are going to bring you so much joy when they go in for the first time and splash around like toddlers By the way they just love having a poo in their water - I have a 3ft square pond which i get away with changing every 5 days using a PondVac which takes 5 mins and the water gets used on the veggies/compost. (I did have a small container but I can't stop spoiling them - my hubby thinks I am mental as I am getting them a snugglesafe to keep them warm in the winter months!) I would recommend putting their pond on some slabs or they will simply dig up dirt and dabble it into the water. My girls have access to loads of water but not near the soil which has made things much easier - my duck breeder does the same and advises as long as they get to free range on the garden they will be fine - yay! Good luck! Wucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 7, 2010 Author Share Posted September 7, 2010 Wucky - that could explain a lot. The pool is near a tree where the chickens have previously made dustbaths underneath so there is lots of loose soil. I will try to rectify that when I let the ducks out into the bigger area and reposition the pool away from dustbaths. Thanks for the reassurance about the ramp. I am now going to Google PondVac's. I feel like a kid in a sweet shop. I'm learning so much just watching them and reading this forum. You're right - I don't think I'll be able to contain myself if they actually got in the pool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuckyduckspenno Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 I have a feeling you may also end up getting a bigger pond when they do! The chap at www.Arkpetsonline.co.uk was really helpful and also very excited about ducks too - they sold one to me for £99 and delivered next day. Big initial outlay but it only takes 5 mins and with the cold wet days coming I really didn't fancy bucketing out the lovely smelly water so I see it as a real investment. I look forward to the snaps of them ducking and diving Wucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 10, 2010 Author Share Posted September 10, 2010 They have been in the pool! I suppose everything comes to those who wait. Thanks for the reassurances and advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuckyduckspenno Posted September 10, 2010 Share Posted September 10, 2010 really chuffed for you Don't forget to post some piccies of oyur clever girls! Wucky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 Sorry I still have not got round to posting any more photos. I will do some soon. I started this topic with 2 questions. 1) Will they ever get in the pool? Well the answer to that today was an emphatic yes. I changed the water and all 3 got in thrashing about like naughty children in a swimming pool. I know I mentioned them getting in before but today I was along side them when they did it and was able to watch them close up. It gave me a warm feeling although I then had to fill the pool up again when they got out as they'd thrown a lot of the water out. 2) Will they use the ramp? The answer to that one is NO. Ha ha - who needs a ramp when you can just hop in and out. I'll keep the ramp in place just in case but I know now that I worried over nothing. Later I gave them and the hens some corn. It was lovely to see the ducks foraging for the corn with the hens on seemingly equal terms. They don't seem to bat an eye at one another. I was proud of them all. I wish I had a camera with me today. After feeling grotty all week it put a big smile on my face. Apologies for this post - it is just one of those satisfying moments and I thought I would share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuckyduckspenno Posted October 2, 2010 Share Posted October 2, 2010 aahh - welcome to the world of adoring your ducks Changed my girls water today too and like yours they just get so excited and dive around getting clean - it's so satisfying and I find they make me so relaxed when I spend time with them. I am also buying them a snugglesafe soon for the colder months - my hubby thinks I treat them better than him Can't wait til they start laying early next year!! All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted October 2, 2010 Author Share Posted October 2, 2010 I had considered a snugglesafe but have decided they should be hardy enough. At least Cayuga's are apparently a very hardy breed. Not sure about my hens though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
