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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15 |
Are there any ill effects about having ducks on your pond? Don't know anything about them, just thought I might get some info. Will they stay all year?
Last edited by KyCatfisher; 06/17/08 10:33 AM.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,975 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,975 Likes: 277 |
It depends on 1) what they eat (obviously fish eaters like mergansers have an affect) and 2) how many there are.
Ducks do introduce fecal matter and hence organic material into a pond, although much less than an equal number of geese do. If you have too fertile water, they could push you over to having a classic Summer fishkill. But 1-2 pairs of (non-fish eating) ducks per acre of water have usually been judged acceptable and not a problem.
I am always happy to see a few mallards on and around my ponds.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling ![[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ed/b5/e7/edb5e7f935843b996cf52be593c9ebd2--smoothie-smooth-collie.jpg)
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,596 Likes: 36
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,596 Likes: 36 |
Theo, I have seen hen mallards eat small BG that we were stocking. 
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,975 Likes: 277
Moderator Lunker
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Moderator Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,975 Likes: 277 |
Fair enough, Shorty. You Nebraskans grow BG big enough to eat small mallards.
"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever." -S. M. Stirling
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,751 Likes: 295
Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame 2014  Lunker
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Moderator Ambassador Field Correspondent Hall of Fame 2014 Lunker
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,751 Likes: 295 |
As of lately, I am thinking that I don't want any ducks or geese at my pond. I don't know why, but this season, there is more duck poop around then ever before, and it vastly reduces my enjoyment factor.
Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15 |
Well, as far as the ducks go, they were across the street the next morning! I had to lure them back with slices of white bread. (must be southern ducks! smile) Since I got them back, they have stayed. Does anyone know how to tell male from female? They are just white ducks.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,365 |
I have 3 tame mallards that wandered in, and I'm not liking them. I bet 1 duck can inhale more feed pellets per minute than 30 BG!
They are pretty, and I do like the way they keep the banks smooth. But I'm afraid they eat too much of my grass shrimp, minnows, and other forage in addition to the feed pellets.
I'm fixin' to net them and "take them for a ride" down to the bayou. If netting is unsuccessful, I'll be forced to use the hot lead method.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 122
Lunker
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Lunker
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 122 |
Does anyone know how to tell male from female? They are just white ducks. When we had white pekins, the males had brighter legs and beaks, and a curly feather at the top of the tail.
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