Over the Autumn and Winter I carried out a number of small construction jobs, one of which was to build a duck pond and extend the duck enclosure. These are pekin ducks which we keep for their eggs, but they are also nice to have around too.
But avian flu meant that the pond and new run have lain unused for since last Autumn. Suffolk, along with Norfolk and Essex, as well as parts of East Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and the West Country have had a housing order in place over and above a range of national biosecurity measures. Confining ducks has been a particular challenge.
However, it was announced at last that from Thursday 15th the housing order has been lifted so we were able to release the ducks to enjoy their new set up and relative freedom. A great relief all round, especially in view of the warm weather we have been having.
Like many who keep a few ducks for their produce rather than soley for ornamental reasons we made do with a children's plastic sandpit for a pool - big enough for a quick dip and to get their heads under water but not really ideal. Ducks can be quite messy and the sandpit pond muddied up very quickly requiring it to be emptied and re-filled every day.
The new pond is 8' x 8'. I made it into a raised pond partly so I did not have to dig a big hole and find somewhere to deposit the spoil, but also because I am working on the theory that being raised there is less chance of soil being drawn into the pond as the ducks go in and out. Time will tell. Being raised I used some pallets to create a ramp and platform up to the pond and another ramp in the pond to make it easy for the ducks to clamber out.
A big challenge for us at present is the continuing record-breaking dry spell. We have had no rain for many weeks now. But for the ducks it shouldn't be a problem.
