Planning out summer projects for our suburban ducks includes a backyard pond this year. We do have a pond that we have to fill and dump each day. Ducks dirty the pond very quickly. Deciding on what kind of pond we want is the hardest decision. A big pond will not work right now due to our children, and I really would love to have a large pond.
A larger pond would mean more maintenance, and we want something low key, pretty, affordable, and usable for the ducks. After much research on Pinterest and other areas, my husband and I still have not decided what we want. I do want a pond for beauty purposes. He wants a pond for the ducks, but neither one of us wants to go out and fill up the mini pond each day, then turn around and dump it. A filtration system that is inexpensive is what we are leaning towards.
With the cost of supplies right now, a DIY pond is in the works. Fortunately, we already have a space with a mini hole started. Research has led us down the road to a more finalized idea of what kind of pond we may want for our suburban ducks. Backyard ponds can range in price from very expensive, to not expensive at all.
Backyard Ponds with a Biofilter for Suburban Ducks
This type of backyard pond for our suburban ducks does have a lot of positive qualities. We are interested in a more natural ecosystem for the vegetation. Something that is more sustainable for everyday use with ducks. Our preference would be no chemicals in the pond, we do want all natural qualities.
The pond with a bio filter system has a nutrients move through and recycled. A self created ecosystem with a natural filtration system that works with biology and not chemicals, is intriguing. One of the main problems we have found with this type of pond is the cost of creation.
Although this backyard pond does hold a lot of the elements we want for our suburban ducks, cost is holding back the finalization.
DIY Natural Suburban Duck Pond
A DIY natural suburban duck pond is self draining to make cleaning easier, less maintenance. Using a waterfall will help bring in new water and export the old water through the filtration system. Ducks get water dirty very quickly, so a self cleaning pond is a must. Most duck owners build and invest in parts for self cleaning due to the everyday chore of dumping the pond.
Natural suburban duck ponds do not need to be expensive. Parts for self cleaning can be made our of pvc pipe, a kiddie pool can substitute for a pond liner, and set natural rocks and vegetation around.
Labor can be saved by digging a hole by the pond yourself. Only hire out or buy parts on sale. Frugal suburban duck owners make a natural DIY duck pond from existing materials. When we build our pond, most of it will be what we have on hand, and our own labor. Only what we can not handle will be contracted out. Of course, we do not have a large plot of land in the suburbs, but we have room for a small pond.
DIY Suburban Duck Garden Pond
A garden pond can also have a self cleaning feature. Again, many of the reasons for duck owners to build ponds, whether big or small is due to the dumping everyday of the duck swimming water.
Garden ponds are different in a few ways. First, they will have fish. Next, they will have plants, and finally they will have water features. Some have fountains, while others will have cascading waterfalls. For our backyard we will do a water fountain, but someday upgrade to waterfall.
Ducks love a garden pond because they love to eat algae, they will keep frogs out because they eat the frog eggs, and the part I like best is that ducks eat small snakes. This in turn keeps snakes from swarming to a pond. I am not a fan of snakes, so this is fine with me.
Ducks will have dirty water, so the filtration system has to be strong if fish are to be in the garden pond with the ducks. Finally, a backyard garden pond is up to the owner’s design. If you want a garden pond with ducks and no fish, then do so.
Conclusion of Suburban Duck Backyard Pond Ideas
Ponds are great for relaxation, beauty and a natural swimming source for ducks. As a suburban duck owner I can’t wait until our pond is in. Quiet summer nights with the beauty of summer sounds good right now. Whatever pond is chosen for your backyard suburban homestead…enjoy it.
For more posts on frugal living, homeschooling, frugal homemaking and more sign up for my newsletter.
Leave a Reply