When it comes to backyard ponds, the possibilities are endless. From small koi fish ponds to large duck ponds, you can have any type of water feature you desire! Before you start digging up your garden, you’ll want to ensure that you’re building the right type of pond – and that it’ll be safe and sturdy enough to last.
If you’re in the market to learn how to build a duck pond in your backyard, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
How to Build a Duck Pond in Your Backyard
Below are steps you can follow in order to build your very own backyard duck pond.
Plan the Project
Before you begin any project, you’ll need to have a plan of what you want to build. You’ll want to determine how much money it’s going to cost you to build the duck pond, how much time is needed, and who will help you out.
You’ll want to have $1,000 or more ready for expenses, and it’s estimated to take around 70 hours for three people to dig up a 1,000 gallon pond.
Select the Right Spot
Next, find the perfect spot for your duck pond. This might be in a place with good sunlight for the ducks. You’ll want to cover the area with mulch and wood chips so that the ducks don’t make a mess.
You might also consider building your duck pond near your house so you can watch your ducks go about their business or so that you can better interact with them.
Determine the Dimensions and Specifications
Before you can start digging, you’ll want to determine the size and shape of the pond, as well as how deep it will be.
You might consider marking out the desired area with string or spray paint so that you can get a good visual of where the pond will be in relation to everything else in your backyard.
Digging the Pond
Now, it’s time to dig. Use a shovel to dig out the pond’s perimeter, ensuring the sides are sloped so the ducks can easily get in and out. Consider making the pond at least four feet deep and eight feet wide.
Level the hole and use twines and string levels to make sure the top lip is correct. If not, consider using clay.
Next, fill the hole with water and let it sit for a day or two so the ground can settle.
Place the Walls
Install rocks around your pond to create walls. When placing the rocks, make sure to leave an area rock-free, as you’ll need to install the biofilter.
A biofilter is a biological filter that will provide your pond with water rich in carbon dioxide, which helps your water plants keep the water clear and clean.
Install the Biofilter
Now that your wall is up and you have a section free of rocks, install your biofilter. Follow the directions that come with your filter, and then test to ensure it works.
Fill Up Your Pond With Water
Next, fill up your pond with water. You can do this by using a hose or bucket. If you live in an area with hard water, you may want to let the water sit for a day or two, so the chlorine can evaporate.
Once the pond is full, it’s time to add plants and rocks. This will help create a natural habitat for your ducks.
Add Plants and Rocks
Aquatic plants are key to a healthy duck pond. They help keep the water clean by absorbing nutrients and providing oxygen. Plus, they provide a place for ducks to hide and nest.
When choosing plants for your pond, be sure to select ones native to your area that can tolerate the conditions of your pond, like full sun, partial sun, etc.
Add rocks to give your pond a nice aesthetic. You can also add bugs for your ducks to eat.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Find a spot in your yard with at least six hours of sunlight daily.
- Clear away any debris, rocks, and roots from the area.
- Excavate the area to a depth of about 12 inches.
- Line the pond with a heavy-duty pond liner.
- Connect a garden hose to a nearby water source and fill the pond with fresh water.
Also Read: South Facing Backyard Landscaping
Different types of Duck Ponds for your backyard
- Floating House
- Simple Waterfall Duck Pond
- Bathtub As a Duck Pond
- Pond With a Small Island
- Large Galvanized Tank
- Kano Duck Pond
- White Line Duck Pond
- Boomerang Pond
- Rusty Duck Pond?
- Twins Waterfall Duck Pond
- Duck Pond under a Bridge
- Rustic Waterfall
- Duckponic
- Natural Rocks Duck Pond
- A Blue Backyard Pond
- Use A Truck Tier
- No-Dig Backyard Duck Pond
- Sea Pond Idea
- Rubbermaid Tub Into A Duck Pond
- Planted Zen Container Pond
- Fancy Backyard Duck Pond
- Contemporary Garden Water Feature Duck Pond
What Type of Flooring is Best For Duck Pond?
One of the first things you will want to consider when designing your backyard duck pond is what type of flooring you would like for the bottom of the pond. There are a few different options for this.
The three main flooring options are wood chips, sand, and rocks.
Wood chips are usually the cheapest option because they require less maintenance, but sand may be better for wading birds.
Rocks look nicer than wood chips or sand but may be more expensive depending on where you live because they have to be hauled by hand from a quarry if you don’t have any nearby rock outcroppings near your property.
What Plants Should You Plant in Your Duck Pond?
A wide variety of plants will grow well in the wet soil of a duck pond, but some are better than others.
Choose low-growing plants that can tolerate standing water, such as pickerel weed and pennywort, or add an aquatic plant, like water lilies, to the pond.
The plants should be native to your area and help provide food for the ducks.
How To Keep Your Duck Pond Clean Naturally?
Ducks need deep enough water to submerge their heads and bodies under the surface, as this will keep them cool and hydrated. The water should also be clean and free of debris or pollutants. Otherwise, the ducks could ingest something that may make them sick.
To keep your pond clean naturally, you can use natural cleaners like baking soda or vinegar to remove dirt from the sides of the pond and leaves from the water’s surface.
Tips for Maintaining a Duck Pond in the Backyard
A duck pond can be a great addition to your backyard, providing a place for ducks to swim and hang out. However, ponds require regular maintenance to keep them clean and safe for the ducks and your family. Here are some tips on how to maintain your duck pond.
- Drain and clean the pond every few months, removing any accumulated debris.
- Refill the pond with fresh water as needed.
- Check the pH levels of the water regularly and adjust as necessary. If the pH is too high or low, you may need to add some acid or base. If it’s too high (above 7), adding acid will lower it; if it’s too low (below 6), adding base will raise it.
- Add fish feed or other natural food sources at least once per week to provide food for the ducks and prevent algae growth.
FAQ’s
How Deep Does A Duck Pond Need To Be?
A duck pond needs to be at least 18 inches deep for ducks, but ideally, it should be deeper than 24 inches.
Do Backyard Ducks Need A Pond?
Backyard ducks are a great way to get fresh eggs and fertilize your garden simultaneously. But do backyard ducks need a pond? Not necessarily, but it may be something you want to consider if you have the space for it.
The Benefits of Having a Duck Pond
A duck pond gives your ducks a place to swim and hang out and may bring forms of wildlife to come to visit them. For example, you may receive visits from frogs and toads in your backyard, and they can help control the mosquito population.
Requirements for Building a Duck Pond in Your Backyard
Building a duck pond is a great way to add beauty and charm to your backyard. But before you start digging, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
First, you should ensure that the pond is big enough for the ducks. They should have enough room to swim and dive and shallow areas to wade in.
Second, you should make sure that the pond has plenty of vegetation. Ducks need vegetation around their pond to feed on when they’re not diving underwater.
Third, you’ll want to build a sloped entryway so that the water can easily flow out of the pond during heavy rains or when it’s full of rainwater.
Finally, it’s important to know what type of soil is under where you’re going to build your pond. You’ll want it since soil needs different types of plants than sand does to grow well and stay healthy long-term.
Cost of Building a Duck Pond in the backyard
The cost of building a duck pond in your backyard can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on what you’re building and if you hire help. The most important factor in deciding the cost of your duck pond is the size. The larger the pond, the more expensive it will be.
Other factors that can affect the cost are the type of liner you choose and whether or not you need to excavate for your pond. If you have a small backyard, don’t worry!
Final Thoughts
Building a duck pond in your backyard is a great way to attract wildlife and to accent your property. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a pond that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Follow the tips in this article, and you’ll be on your way to having ducks in no time.
