Help With Ducks

[joann721]

We are having a problem with two Ducks landing in and swimming in our pool...
They are making a huge "mess" on the pool surround and we dont know
how to get rid of them. So I am asking the group of people who know
something about everything... Chlorine cant be good for them - but they dont seem to mind it- we have been chasing them off with the pool skimmer but we are not always home- and we come home to a bunch of "little messes" that are staining a brand new concrete pool deck.... HELP !!!

[onthebay]

I know that down at Spinnaker Cove they use a plastic owl and I think a fox to scare away the geese. . Not sure if they work or not.

[Gatto Nero]

What would Tony Soprano do?

[Grant]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

What would Tony Soprano do?

Best response ever.

On a semi-related note -- anyone else noticing more Canada geese in the Lakes Region? This can't be good. Geese = nasty death to any lake.

Let's call Tony.

[chipj29]

A dog. You need a dog to chase them away!

[joann721]

My dog is no help we brought her out to the deck yesterday and she was afraid of them. She is a Pekingnese and afraid of her own shadow. Not a boat dog - and not a bird dog. If we had not just spent $12k on the new pool surround we may have more patience & more humor with this but the little buggers are staining the brand new concrete !

Oh well... will keep monitoring for any words of wisdom.

I dont know what Tony Soprano would do but I do know what Jack Bauer would do....

[offmycloud]

try this:
http://www.liquidfence.com/duck-repellent.html
also, google "duck repellent" and you'll find other stuff. Is there food around your pool that is attracting them?

[Pineedles]

Get one of these, and your problem will be solved.

[joann721]

but keep him/her off the boat ramp !!!

[KonaChick]

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

What would Tony Soprano do?

Everyone who knows anything about Tony knows he would lay out feed and swim with them everyday!

[Gavia immer]

Originally Posted by onthebay

I know that down at Spinnaker Cove they use a plastic owl and I think a fox to scare away the geese. . Not sure if they work or not.

If plastic owls and foxes doesn't work, you'll need to add signs for your visitors and guests.

[fmgate]

Although I sympathize with those who experience difficulties with ducks, I feel this is a good opportunity to make note of the forum guidelines.

Please try to submit posts "that are directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities." Sure, the Lakes Region has its share of ducks, but the core point of the original post concerns how one can eradicate ducks from a backyard pool. The issue is one that people experience in countless communities across the US and really has no direct bearing on the Lakes Region.

In addition, the guidelines note that there is a preference for messages that "actually contribute something." The photo of Pineedles' dog is absolutely adorable, but was that post germane to the conversation after someone already submitted a dog comment?

The Winnipesaukee Fourm is a great resource. Please try to keep to forum guidelines so that the site continues to be edifying, friendly, and entertaining.

[joann721]

Because I have ducks in my pool and not a duck stuck under my dock in the lake I cant ask the question of a group of people whose opinion I value?

[offmycloud]

Who the heck does this junior member think they are? I've found this a really interesting, lake-germane topic as we have problem ducks at our beach.

[HomeWood]

"Ya I have a response" "Uh what?" - Geico Cave Man.


Why can't somebody ask a duck question on this forum regardless of whether it's a lake or pool? Try an owl or Fox first, then how about a small cheap r/c car or boat to chase them off. Is it possible that they are trying to nest there?


Only if our dogs could stay like that, great pup you got. I sware my black lab was that little for a week, then one morning he was a full 70lbs. How did that happen???

[GTO]

FMGATE, Tell me you're a lawyer because that was just way too funny.

And whats the matter with all you people bending Forum Rules? Am I the only responsible one here?

[Grant]

Originally Posted by fmgate

Although I sympathize with those who experience difficulties with ducks, I feel this is a good opportunity to make note of the forum guidelines.

Please try to submit posts "that are directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities." Sure, the Lakes Region has its share of ducks, but the core point of the original post concerns how one can eradicate ducks from a backyard pool. The issue is one that people experience in countless communities across the US and really has no direct bearing on the Lakes Region.

In addition, the guidelines note that there is a preference for messages that "actually contribute something." The photo of Pineedles' dog is absolutely adorable, but was that post germane to the conversation after someone already submitted a dog comment?

The Winnipesaukee Fourm is a great resource. Please try to keep to forum guidelines so that the site continues to be edifying, friendly, and entertaining.

Thank you, Thread Police. We will make every effort to adhere.

As you were.

[KonaChick]

I think it's a great post..we have seagulls and ducks that often visit our raft up at the lake and i'd love to know how to get rid of them. Don't worry joann i wasn't offended...as Tony Soprano would say..."FUGGETABOUTIT"!!

[ITD]

If a duck p**ps in your pool, does it make any noise?

Thread police please move on........

[codeman671]

Last time I checked Wildcat is not in the lakes region yet you posted regarding their free ski policy on birthdays... If you must preach make sure you are already practicing your beliefs...

The question was fine, we all deal with ducks. Whats the difference between them messing up your dock, boat, swm raft or pool surround?

[Mink Islander]

FMCat, you can't be serious. As my kids would say, "get over yourself". You have by now discovered that you are the only member who thinks asking questions about nuisance ducks is off limits. This is a community. We try to help each other.

[dpg]

I agree with with Plastic preditors or try to Google the topic. If all else fails a .22 Caliber and a sharp eye will do the trick. However if you do try plastic animals be sure to move them around, if you leave them in the same position for weeks they even look fake to the average Duck!

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by fmgate

Although I sympathize with those who experience difficulties with ducks, I feel this is a good opportunity to make note of the forum guidelines.

Please try to submit posts "that are directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities." Sure, the Lakes Region has its share of ducks, but the core point of the original post concerns how one can eradicate ducks from a backyard pool. The issue is one that people experience in countless communities across the US and really has no direct bearing on the Lakes Region.

In addition, the guidelines note that there is a preference for messages that "actually contribute something." The photo of Pineedles' dog is absolutely adorable, but was that post germane to the conversation after someone already submitted a dog comment?

The Winnipesaukee Fourm is a great resource. Please try to keep to forum guidelines so that the site continues to be edifying, friendly, and entertaining.

I, for one, take my direction from the Webmaster of this site. If he thought someone was violating the "guidelines", he would do something about it. He has done it before and I suspect, if warranted, will do it again.

BT

[Pineedles]

My humble apologies; let me make it germane. Here is Reilly, all grown up and on her tube guarding our lake front property in Center Harbor from the Ducks.

[Mink Islander]

How do we REALLY know that's Lake Winnipesaukee? Could be some off-topic lake in another state, or just your pool that you haven't cleaned in years because of your duck problem. I demand proof!

[Pineedles]

Well, if you can't tell this is Lake Winnipesaukee from the beautiful grey blue water with the shimmering sunlight reflected off it, then I guess you are not a true WInnipesaukeer!

[SIKSUKR]

If your problem with the ducks is in the lakes region,your question is fine.Who is this wanabee webmaster?

[joann721]

I love the picture of the pup on the raft... I hate to admit it, but after two more encounters with our visitors yesterday - & one this morning we have to do something..& I dont wont to hurt them I just want them to go away and they are so bold that I dont know if a $40 owl windsock on a pole is going to do anything.... what an ugly mess they make... When I left for work they were happily lounging in the pool- I had chased them out 10 minutes prior... I know that Tony Soprano embraces his ducks - but Jack Bauer would send them to meet the big duck in the heaven !! - I like Jack !!

[feb]

I've seen many pools, particularly in Florida, that string fishing line criss cross about 10' above the pool. I believe that is to stop birds from swooping down and drinking/bathing. I don't know if it would stop a large bird such as a duck though.

[snowbird]

Our island beach is about 80' wide. We have been troubled by ducks using our beach. Last season it was suggested we try fishing line strung about 6-12" above the sand at water's edge. IT WORKED! Frustrated ducks just swam on by. Leaving a human tripping hazard to be avoided.

[SAMIAM]

We have had duck problems for years......we don't want to harm them but can't tolerate the droppings because of kids and "duck itch".We tried several things,including decoys,but nothing worked........until I tried the patented Samiam Duck-Be-Gone system.
I went to the fireworks store and bought several kinds of roman candles ....you can buy them without a report if you prefer and they work just as well.I hold it in my hand with a leather work glove on and point it right at the ducks.It scares the you know what out of them and they rarely return.

[Gatto Nero]

An airsoft gun would do the trick. They sting a bit but it wouldn't kill or maim the little buggers. After a shot or two in the butt any beast with a sense of well being they would stay away. I think Tony might approve as well.

http://www.airsplat.com/Categories/AP.htm

[BBS]

Buy one of those plastic pool alligators and leave it in the water. The owner's of a small pond near us used that ploy to keep Canada geese out of the water - and it worked!

[WINDinmySOCKIES]

Pineedles...After forensic analysis of the photo, I now believe this is actually
lake Winnipesaukee. However......is this REALLY your dog? and I thought this was supposed to be about ducks? Where 's the duck pictures?!

[joann721]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

We have had duck problems for years......we don't want to harm them but can't tolerate the droppings because of kids and "duck itch".We tried several things,including decoys,but nothing worked........until I tried the patented Samiam Duck-Be-Gone system.
I went to the fireworks store and bought several kinds of roman candles ....you can buy them without a report if you prefer and they work just as well.I hold it in my hand with a leather work glove on and point it right at the ducks.It scares the you know what out of them and they rarely return.

I think we have a "keeper"...

[Weirs guy]

OK, thats a little freaky pineneedles and grant, we have a boy yellow lab named Reilly. Its a small world afterall... -Sorry, I forgot to check if singing is allowed on the forums, my bad-

joann721, maybe just a large tarp/pool cover until they move on? We live near several rentals and each summer the flat landers like to feed the cute little duckies. That is until we send our Reilly in after them (the ducks, not the renters. Weirs Gal forbids that). Maybe you can borrow one of the 3 Reilly's kicking around! Just remember if your going to take the Jack approach that most likely one of the ducks will show back up next season.

[Pineedles]

Wind, Really, its Reilly, my sometimes smilie, duck chasing dog.
No ducks in pic? Good Girl Reilly.

Grant, WHAT A BEAUTY! I had two Goldens before my Reilly. Lex the first golden loved chasing ducks. Sam, Golden # 2 however didn't chase ducks he prefered boats, like the mount. He has the dubious distinction of having the Captain blow his horn at him.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Sam, Golden # 2 however didn't chase ducks he prefered boats, like the mount. He has the dubious distinction of having the Captain blow his horn at him.

Good for him!

[Grant]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Wind, Really, its Reilly, my sometimes smilie, duck chasing dog.
No ducks in pic? Good Girl Reilly.

Grant, WHAT A BEAUTY! I had two Goldens before my Reilly. Lex the first golden loved chasing ducks. Sam, Golden # 2 however didn't chase ducks he prefered boats, like the mount. He has the dubious distinction of having the Captain blow his horn at him.

Reilly and pal Chloe wishing they could be just a little closer to a passing family of mergansers...

[codeman671]

This is odd indeed, we have two goldens, one of ours is named Riley...He loves to chase ducks but not as much as our other golden Cody does. The biggest duck hater though is our chesapeake bay retriever Jake. He will chase them as far as they swim, their only hope for escape is flight.

[Grant]

Originally Posted by codeman671

This is odd indeed, we have two goldens, one of ours is named Riley...He loves to chase ducks but not as much as our other golden Cody does. The biggest duck hater though is our chesapeake bay retriever Jake. He will chase them as far as they swim, their only hope for escape is flight.

Okay...my family's old golden was a Cody, too. I am looking at a photo of him with my youngest son, sitting on the dock on the Lake. It's here in my office. Reilly, Cody... Our new girl, who was born April 16, will be Lucy... Photos of her first Lake adventure will be coming in July.

Small world.

[Grant]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

My humble apologies; let me make it germane. Here is Reilly, all grown up and on her tube guarding our lake front property in Center Harbor from the Ducks.

Hey now, 'needles! We have a Reilly, too. Same color, different breed (golden retriever). In fact, we're adding another to the menagerie (4 kids, two frogs, a fish, a golden, a rat, a mouse...) in a few weeks.

Here he is enjoying a boat ride on the Lake:

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by Grant

Hey now, 'needles! We have a Reilly, too. Same color, different breed (golden retriever). In fact, we're adding another to the menagerie (4 kids, two frogs, a fish, a golden, a rat, a mouse...) in a few weeks.

Here he is enjoying a boat ride on the Lake:

It looks like the dog is the best bet. I have trained My dog Hanna to sit at the window and when she growls I let her out and she chases the ducks off the beach. No more duck itch. Works great and she gets the exercise.

[MJM]

We'd all better be careful...someone from PETA might take offense, citing undue stress on the ducks, and unfair labor practices for the dogs....

[onthebay]

Don't forget them.

[Knot Droolin']

Originally Posted by MJM

We'd all better be careful...someone from PETA might take offense, citing undue stress on the ducks, and unfair labor practices for the dogs....

Why would People Eating Tasty Animals take offense?

[Mee-n-Mac]

I love animals. Who wouldn't ? They're delicious !!



now as to the best way to stun a snail darter .....

[joann721]

The alligator has not arrived as of yet... I expect it today or tomorrow.

Kenny did find, at Home Depot, an owl wind windsock that is pretty lame... I wouldnt believe it was real if I was a duck.. but as of this morning all of the song birds no longer live in the tree next to the pool. They ran (flew) for the hills, so obviously they believe it is ominous. We have seen the ducks once in the past few days. They did not stay for more than a few moments, they landed, went for a quick swim, and looked around and flew away. So maybe it is working. We moved it on Sunday just to keep them guessing.

I cant explain but I have this picture in my head of them sitting on the fence laughing at us.

But I think once we put the alligator in the water floating around that will also help...

[joann721]

The alligator has not arrived as of yet... I expect it today or tomorrow.

Kenny did find, at Home Depot, an owl wind windsock that is pretty lame... I wouldnt believe it was real if I was a duck.. but as of this morning all of the song birds no longer live in the tree next to the pool. They ran (flew) for the hills, so obviously they believe it is ominous. We have seen the ducks once in the past few days. They did not stay for more than a few moments, they landed, went for a quick swim, and looked around and flew away. So maybe it is working. We moved it on Sunday just to keep them guessing.

I cant explain why but I have this picture in my head of them sitting on the fence laughing at us.

But I think once we put the alligator in the water floating around that will also help...

[rander7823]

I have heard he has had some luck getting rid of golfers......I mean gophers

[GTO]

Originally Posted by rander7823

I have heard he has had some luck getting rid of golfers......I mean gophers

Actually, I think he called them "varments" Which I'm pretty sure ducks fall under that category.

[gtxrider]

I know of some people who had Seagull trouble and they cured it by shooting one and nailing it to post on the dock. Not legal but it worked (so I am told).

Not to offend anyone but they could have been related to Tony S. Bada bing bada BOOM

[LSBA Joker]

gtx, fyi, strap popsicle stix onto the legs of the flying rat to keep it upright on the post. one stick in it's beak will keep the neck and head at a proper angle.
should last about 6-8 weeks before it gets a bit weathered looking.

[nj2nh]

A few years ago, some friends of ours from here in Joisey came up to NH with us for a week. Their dog, Nitanny (now THERE'S a name!) used to jump into the water to chase the ducks. She was the stupidest dog I have ever known and I've known some stupid dogs. Maybe it was her name. She was a Golden so her lack of brains always mystified me.

Anyway, the ducks, being smarter than this dog, started swimming out further and further in an effort not only to escape the dumb beast but to drown her. They would have succeeded, too, if her owners hadn't managed to drag the canoe out of the basement and paddle out to rescue her. She was halfway across Alton Bay near Echo Point and quite exhausted, but too dumb to think she should turn back.

And since everyone is posting their cute doggies, here is my Molly. She is kind of goofy, but just as smart as our beloved Lucy who lived to be over 15!

Jersey Girl
(30 days to NH and counting)

[Pineedles]

Keep those cute dog pictures comin! But remember all, keep it Germane. You must mention duck chasing.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by fmgate

Although I sympathize with those who experience difficulties with ducks, I feel this is a good opportunity to make note of the forum guidelines.

Please try to submit posts "that are directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities." Sure, the Lakes Region has its share of ducks, but the core point of the original post concerns how one can eradicate ducks from a backyard pool. The issue is one that people experience in countless communities across the US and really has no direct bearing on the Lakes Region.

In addition, the guidelines note that there is a preference for messages that "actually contribute something." The photo of Pineedles' dog is absolutely adorable, but was that post germane to the conversation after someone already submitted a dog comment?

The Winnipesaukee Fourm is a great resource. Please try to keep to forum guidelines so that the site continues to be edifying, friendly, and entertaining.

Do you not have anything better to do here or post useful information, wow this was a waste of my time to read this post to this thread. Last time I checked there were webmasters and Police that handle this stuff, if you want to, then become one

[John A. Birdsall]

We used to have a lot of ducks at the cottage, we asked what happened to them during the winter, now this could cure your duck problems and be a nice feast as well.

He used a wifle and filled his freezer after everyone went home.

Killed two problems with one shot.

They say not to feed the ducks, but I don't recall them saying they can't feed you.

[EllyPoinster]

A wifle, you say. Hmmm. Was his name Elmer? Did he also hunt wabbits?

[SIKSUKR]

So he filled his freezer with whiffle balls?Did he throw the frozen balls at the ducks?Huh?

[Mee-n-Mac]

Ssshhh. Be wery, wery quiet. He's hunting dwucks. We don't want WETA to hear awout this. Sssshh.

[gtxrider]

NO, it's wabbit season. No, its duck season....shoot!

I hate them varmits! Too much TV as a kid.


Has the gator head arrived yet?

[joann721]

I checked ups this morning and it is on the truck for delivery. The windsock didnt work !!

[Pineedles]

Is that a merganser?

[joann721]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Is that a merganser?

I have called this dirty, messy, feathered friend, and his/her mate, many things in the past two weeks, but merganse, has not been one of them..!!!

Let me guess, my dirty butt duck is endangered and protected by some government program !!

that alligator better work or I am getting the roman candles...

[WeirsGuard]

Joann,

Maybe a little late with duck advice but here goes. We had the same problem with a pair of ducks during late spring / early summer last year. Short of killing or catching and removing them not much seemed to work. Seems momma duck was nesting and dad was hanging around guarding his family. A short time later a dozen chicks were delivered. They learned to swim in our pool. After a few weeks, when the chicks were old enough, momma packed up her kids and walked away to find a more "natural" environmant. Unless there is a ready food supply and good shelter, the ducks will probably move away on their own. As the summer approaches and you begin using the pool more often, all the activity will be non-conducive to them hanging around. I found a good strong spray from the garden hose cleaned up our cement pool surround without much trouble. The poop in the pool was handled by the chemicals and filter. The Fish and Game folks said the pool chemicals will also easliy take care of any potential "Duck Itch", especially the low volume produced by a couple of ducks. Bottom line: they were a pain in *** for a few weeks, but live and let live seemed to work.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Is that a merganser?

Looks more like a "dinner".

[Pineedles]

You guys kill me!. Joanne, sorry to alarm. Not a merganser, merely female mallard. Mallards would be great for dinner but Mergansers eat fish and taste awful.

[Kevin C]

I was having the same issue with a couple of ducks taking up residence over the last couple of weeks in our pool. Although the ducks are cute, their "residue" is staining the bottom of the pool not to mention the danger of duck itch. Someone suggested an inflatable alligator but I couldn't find one. In Namco the other day I saw inflatable dolphins that stand ,as they are weighted in the tail by sand, as high as 41". I bought 3 "Mr. Flippys" that are brightly colored, and float around the pool as well as bob and weave with the wind......enough to scare them away. I've been duck free for 2 days now. So far so good! $4.99 on sale (any size) presently at Namco. Good luck!!