Lifelong hobbyist, new to the forum.

[GBBUDD]

It's a battle here should i let them stay or should they go now! they are probably the single source of how did i get parasites, or can anyone identify this fish , i didn't put them in my pond. now ducklings there is no debate they can stay.

 

[Lisak1]

@GBBUDD the old softie.

And yes - DUCKS WILL INFEST YOUR POND WITH PARASITES. Found that out the hard way. Now we encourage our pair to move along. They can - and do - nest in the bushes but no swimming in the pond

 

[ADHDiy_Guy]

Well the ducks that nest in our yard each year were the inspiration for why we put in these ponds in the first place, so… I’m thinking I can address any parasite problems that come from it.

It’s probably easier not to stress about that because I don’t have expensive koi - just Rosy red minnow feeders and Comets.

 

[GBBUDD]

It's a couple hundred bucks for each treatment but what ift does to the bio filter and ecology of the pond is more my concern than is a couple bucks

 

[Lisak1]

Well the ducks that nest in our yard each year were the inspiration for why we put in these ponds in the first place

I hear ya - we used to LOVE to see the ducks show up. And to be honest it was fine the first few years. They did make a mess out of some of my marginals, but whatever. It was fun. THEN IT HAPPENED. One by one, then two by two our fish started to die off. Healthy looking fish that all exhibited the same symptoms and were dead within hours. By the time it was over we had lost 23 fish - all goldfish, comets and shubunkins, but still. It was a rough summer. Tested the water - all perfect. Fish still dying. Treated for parasites and it was over in two days. So yeah. No more ducks for us!

 

[j.w]

So do little birds flying through a netted pond cause parasites also? I realize ducks are bigger but still. Not gonna keep them out tho so whatever.

 

[Lisak1]

So do little birds flying through a netted pond cause parasites also? I realize ducks are bigger but still. Not gonna keep them out tho so whatever.

Ducks are known to carry a common parasites that can pass to fish. And I think the fact they actually swim in - and poop in - the pond water is an easier vector for parsites to be passed to fish. There are certain parasites that require both the ducks and the fish to complete their life cycle actually - I've not heard that about other birds.

Just this very morning I was checking out the fish on my pond cam and noticed lots of frenetic swimming - spawning? Kind of early and cold, but not my business. And then what do I see paddle by at the top of the screen but a pair of duck feet! They're back! So now we will start our two week cycle of them trying to swim and me shooing them off the pond! Once they've nested and laid their eggs they settle down.

 

[ADHDiy_Guy]

@Lisak1 pictures or video of the duck feet from your pond cam would be totally welcome here. Just saying…

How many ducks do you have visit your pond typically this time of year? Is it just one duck pair looking for a nesting place, or do you get a squad?

 

[Lisak1]

One pair - same Mr and Mrs for years now. And believe me I tried to get those feet in the frame! I’m watching remotely - stay tuned!

 

[GBBUDD]

So do little birds flying through a netted pond cause parasites also? I realize ducks are bigger but still. Not gonna keep them out tho so whatever.

Chances of a bird getting a hitch hiker from stepping in at the edge of the pond is minimal at best. but unfortunately they do which we all love to watch is bird baths. there i fear there is a chance of tranfer. but again thats only a minute or two in the water compaired to hours in the water for ducks

 

[Lisak1]

Agreed- but again, there are specific parasites that need the waterfowl AND the fish to complete the life cycle. I doubt songbirds carry many parasites that would affect a fish.