duckweed on a pond

[Mickey9]

So, is duckweed good or bad for a pond with ducks on it? I understand that if it covers an entire pond, sunlight doesn't filter through, underwater plants die off, there's less oxygen in the water and fish die. But I also know duckweed recycles nitrogen in the water, essentially cleaning the water, even though it isn't considered attractive. And it is a good protein source for animals. I have a medium-sized pond that has given me trouble over the last few years b/c the continuing drought keeps its levels very low. The pond is really only there for the ducks to swim in, not for fishing purposes. Would it be a good thing to introduce duckweed to keep the duck droppings from contaminating the pond when water levels drop really low? Could also be an excellent food supplement to the ducks and the chickens? I know it would provide nice cover from hawks for ducklings when they're on the water. I know it is considered a fast grower, but does duckweed stand a chance of growing with ducks actively on the pond? I've read many articles about duckweed (pros and cons) but does anyone have any actual experience with duckweed and ducks on their pond?

[Evy]

Great stuff . Not good for ''cover'' ,as it's just a tiny surface plant, but if you can get it going, it's wonderful food for them.

[goosedragon]

Great stuff . Not good for ''cover'' ,as it's just a tiny surface plant, but if you can get it going, it's wonderful food for them. So good that they have a tendency to eat it all up if your duck load is too heavy.~gd

[Mickey9]

That's what I'm thinking. That I have way too many ducks for duckweed to last. I guess I could just import some from a neighboring pond and try it. Doesn't cost anything but my time. Perhaps keep the ducks in their barn for 4 or 5 days to give it a chance.

[goosedragon]

I always try to keep a "starter" going in the lily pond which is fenced to keep the web footed varmits out. I'll skim it out about once a week and add it to the duck pond usually around the cat tails and swamp mallow plants which are a little thick for the ducks.~gd

[Scott P]

I used to keep a 5 gal. bucket with duckweed in it under my deck. Every few days I'd scoop some into the ducks kiddie pools and they'd be content for hours.