you need to be careful not to overdo any decoy patterns, just add about six with a flapper to the rear, then as you progress replace each decoy with real birds, then expand if neccessary.using a real flapper with stick insert through the chest and a large stick up its **** will always work better, trial and error my friend as it goes.but always face birds to the wind with slight adjustment to odd birds to look realistic.hope this helps, chris s