Threat To My Fish?

[JBtheExplorer]

So, as some of you have seen, I have a pair of Mallard ducks staying at my pond. I have read in the past that they can eat fish and frogs, which would be an obvious issue once my fish are back outside. So I was wondering what the facts are. Are they really a threat to my fish and frogs?

As much as I enjoy having them around, the mess they make is already a pain, but if they're also a threat to my fish I'm not sure what I'm going to do once its time for the fish to go back outside. I know nets are an option but not one that I plan on using.

 

[callingcolleen1]

I would keep them away, they are cute and all but they wll muck things up fast in a new pond that has not yet been established. They also poop a lot and that can quickly foul up the water fast. I am sure they will eat small fish too....

 

[RobAmy]

You really do not have to worry about your fish, my fish even nibble on the ducks feet. The swim very close to the ducks. The ducks are not interested in them at all. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a mallard's diet consists of "insects and larvae, aquatic invertebrates, seeds, aquatic vegetation, and grain." I can confirm they love that cracked corn They could eat fish eggs and tadpoles but it is not the main diet. I am sure they can make a mess, this will have a lot to do with the size and design of the pond. For the most part they are leaving everything alone in mine. They did disturb the top of one of the lily pots but that's the only one and I have 7 pots in the pond. I just put a little bigger stone on the top of it and that has not happened anymore. They do like my forget me knot plant, that does not look as good but still okay. Some will tell you about parasites too. Well, I am sure they could and probably they do. Actually, every animal that comes into your yard including birds or stray cats or squirrels etc can and probably does carry a parasite. If a bird or other animal has a parasite, that does not mean your fish will be harmed. Even your fish could have parasites too. So in my opinion a couple of ducks are safe for the pond. Now to many ducks could cause water issues. The ducks at my pond poop outside the pond more then in it. Again can this hurt the water maybe but again depends on the size of the pond. I personally am not worried and enjoy them being there. The way I see it you must have done a great job with creating the pond and now mama duck wants to enjoy the fruits of your labor

I can understand your concern but I think you should be okay from anything major happening. Ours have been here for over a month now and they stay here hours per day.

You may read that ducks eat fish and many do but Mallards are the ducks most likely not too, there are other birds and animals that are more of a risk to your fish then the ducks. They could it fry but more while eating plant matter.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I would keep them away, they are cute and all but they wll muck things up fast in a new pond that has not yet been established. They also poop a lot and that can quickly foul up the water fast. I am sure they will eat small fish too....

They are already making a mess and pooping everywhere. Whenever I hear them out there I get them away from it but they don't care and usually go right back to it. Its not my intention to keep them here, its just whats happening.

The ducks at my pond poop outside the pond more then in it. I can understand your concern but I think you should be okay from anything major happening.

My ducks poop every time they land in the water; Instantly.

A couple more days and I wont have a pond anymore, the poop will fill it in.

 

[RobAmy]

They are already making a mess and pooping everywhere. Whenever I hear them out there I get them away from it but they don't care and usually go right back to it. Its not my intention to keep them here, its just whats happening.



My ducks poop every time they land in the water; Instantly.

A couple more days and I wont have a pond anymore, the poop will fill it in.

Maybe train them to use cat litter

 

[snoozer]

The ducks have never bothered my fish and the pair or their offspring, have been coming back for 4 or 5 years. The heron, well he is a different story.

 

[CometKeith]

I had ducks visit my pond and had the same fears. My first urge was to take a picture of them because it seemed so bizarre they would think to rest in my small pond. Even though the ducks are not interested in your fish it can stress them out if there are not ample areas to hide. Also ducks can spread parasites that are harmful to fish. I would try to get them to move if you can.

 

[Dave 54]

I had ducks visit my pond and had the same fears. My first urge was to take a picture of them because it seemed so bizarre they would think to rest in my small pond. Even though the ducks are not interested in your fish it can stress them out if there are not ample areas to hide. Also ducks can spread parasites that are harmful to fish. I would try to get them to move if you can.

Yes indeed CometKeith is indeed correct in that they act as vectors for Parasites that can in turn infect your fish

Dave

 

[RobAmy]

Well between parasites and fish stress all mine should be dead within the hour Will update with my findings

 

[Lisak1]

I tend to look at them as any other bird that enjoys my pond - a little bigger perhaps, but still part of the natural scene. Depending on the size of your pond I guess the pooping could be an issue, but I would guess every bird that visits the pond poops in it while they are there. Again, size is the relative factor - but have you ever seen the size of a toad turd? I said "toad" because it sounded funnier than bullfrog - but frogs poop big too! If you swallow a small bird whole, the "end result" is going to be impressive! Don't believe me? Google it!

As for parasites, there's a reason those parasites are on the ducks and not your fish - parasites have their favorite hosts. If the parasites WANTED to make your fish their home, they could do that without the help of the ducks. After all, your fish do live in the great outdoors. In addition to the dozens of birds that visit daily, we have had chipmunks and squirrels and dogs and cats and frogs and toads and turtles - and probably many many more creatures that we don't even know about because they are nocturnal - visit our pond. Not to mention the leaves and other debris that falls into the pond. Lots of potential for contamination. None of which worry me - mainly because, short of putting a lid on the pond, there's not a whole lot I can do about it.

I would say if the ducks are bugging you, then shoo them away - if they feel threatened, they will get the hint and move on.

 

[addy1]

If we did not have to work on keeping the heron away, I would not mind having ducks in our pond. But the anti heron net keeps the ducks away

 

[j.w]

I think w/a larger pond I wouldn't mind them visiting but mine is not that big and I might have too much of a mess. Also have a net and they could not get in but thinking of buying a couple of decoys for fun

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I'm not worried about parasites. Anything can bring them in, even frogs; possibly insects. I have never known anyone with a pond having issues with parasites, not to say it doesn't happen, but unless it were to become a real common issue, I'm not concerned about it. The mess is the real issue right now. I cleaned up a bunch of pea gravel today, still have some more to clean up, and probably will have to clean it up again within a week. The good news is that I've only seen one plant that looks like the ducks bit it, the rest are untouched.

I would say if the ducks are bugging you, then shoo them away - if they feel threatened, they will get the hint and move on.

I started out scaring them away. They kept coming back, so now I just escort them away. They couldn't care less. They were back today and will be back tomorrow. I think I have a solution though. If I put up a sign that says "No Ducks" they'll probably stay away.

 

[Lisak1]

If I put up a sign that says "No Ducks" they'll probably stay away. [/QUOTE]

That oughta do it!

Judging by your video, they do seem pretty unfazed by human contact. I especially like when Mama duck looks at you over her shoulder as if to say "We're going! We're GOING!" You may have to actually block their access to the pond for a few days - maybe some rope strung across or something that makes it difficult to land. I have heard that ducks and swans are natural enemies - maybe a fake swan swimming on the pond or standing on the edge?

Good luck! Or should I say "quack!"