Current to strong for ducks?

[jennyinvermont]

We have a lovely rushing brook on our property, which is where I got the idea to get some cute ducks in addition to our hens! But now I'm wondering if they'll get swept away in our current? It changes a lot depending on weather and rain. Many days it is very calm, but some days it's super rushing, and some days it's way too strong (wouldn't let the ducks in iton those days). In the calmer picture here, do you think ducks would be okay? I would assume they would just stay in the part they could swim in, but is that foolish thinking? The first picture is what it is normally like - I would think they could swim in the little side pools? The rest of the pics are after heavy rains, when I would probably keep them out.

 

[Cecisflock]

WOW! that is one strong current- you said On the stronger days you just won't let them in, HOW? ducks are stubborn. How will you make sure the water is clean? You don't want them to get any diseases. How many ducks do you have now? What state are you in? what is the weather like?

 

[KaleIAm]

Your creek is beautiful and my ducks would love to play in it.

I don't have a creek. But I believe your creek/duck success will depend partially on what type of duck you get. For example, my pekin can barely get out of a kid pool with rocks added for assistance. She trips on uneven ground, and gets stuck on long grasses occasionally. I can't imagine her getting out of your rocky edged creek, except for that gravely part. She would absolutely get swept down stream. My lighter bodies ducks are much more athletic.

I'm not sure about the current. The stronger current feels like a no, like you said. The calmer current might be ok for healthy adult ducks, but I'm not sure I would be willing to risk it with my own. I'm pretty protective of them.

 

[jennyinvermont]

WOW! that is one strong current- you said On the stronger days you just won't let them in, HOW? ducks are stubborn. How will you make sure the water is clean? You don't want them to get any diseases. How many ducks do you have now? What state are you in? what is the weather like?

I'm in Vermont. I plan on having some type of fence for them (Probably electric? Or a close run) so I would use this. Then on days when the current is okay they would free range and play in the creek. I'm not worried about the water it's a clean mountain stream. I'm a virgin duck owner - will be getting 3 pekins and 3 indian runners, all unsexed so will likely give away males. We're in Vermont! it gets cold!!

 

[jennyinvermont]

Your creek is beautiful and my ducks would love to play in it.

I don't have a creek. But I believe your creek/duck success will depend partially on what type of duck you get. For example, my pekin can barely get out of a kid pool with rocks added for assistance. She trips on uneven ground, and gets stuck on long grasses occasionally. I can't imagine her getting out of your rocky edged creek, except for that gravely part. She would absolutely get swept down stream. My lighter bodies ducks are much more athletic.

I'm not sure about the current. The stronger current feels like a no, like you said. The calmer current might be ok for healthy adult ducks, but I'm not sure I would be willing to risk it with my own. I'm pretty protective of them.

Wow that is interesting and helpful. And sad! I would think ALL ducks would be able to get in and out of water no problem, this wouldn't even occur to me. I'm thinking we will have to play it by ear and have a pool if this creek thing doesn't work out. I've never had ducks or worked with them so this is all new to me. All I know is they are cute as HELL.

 

[Cecisflock]

will be getting 3 pekins and 3 indian runners, all unsexed so will likely give away males.

Poor pekins! Also you may want to keep one male (they don't quack as much)

 

[jennyinvermont]

Poor pekins! Also you may want to keep one male (they don't quack as much)

why poor pekins???

 

[Isaac 0]

Speaking from experience, most domestic ducks are going to be hesitant going into rapid waters; when the creek is low, and the current isn't so fast they may take a dip, but all of mine never go into the creek when it is in a rapid state.

 

[jennyinvermont]

Okay that's helpful too. Taht's what I was hoping that they would kind of self regulate and stay out if it's too strong. So I should plan to always have a tub for them I guess. Geez this is getting more complicated by the day!

Speaking from experience, most domestic ducks are going to be hesitant going into rapid waters; when the creek is low, and the current isn't so fast they may take a dip, but all of mine never go into the creek when it is in a rapid state.

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