Bear68 Posted July 2, 2012 Report Share Posted July 2, 2012 One of my bits of land has a pond which has provided good duck flighting in the past, mainly mallard with the occassional widgeon. I can't get out to feed it as often as it needs, and am thinking about using a hopper; would this work? If so, any advice on the type of hopper would be appreciated. The pond isn't too deep, maybe 2'6", and there is a small island in the middle. Also, should I feed wheat or barley? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuttyspaniel Posted July 2, 2012 Report Share Posted July 2, 2012 (edited) One of my bits of land has a pond which has provided good duck flighting in the past, mainly mallard with the occassional widgeon. I can't get out to feed it as often as it needs, and am thinking about using a hopper; would this work? If so, any advice on the type of hopper would be appreciated. The pond isn't too deep, maybe 2'6", and there is a small island in the middle. Also, should I feed wheat or barley? I used to shoot a pond local to me, I used a wheely bin with the cabela's automatics feeder rigged on it. Inside the bin it had 4 pieces of ply attached at an angle to allow the feed to slide down, and it was raised on 3 legs, a mate gave me the use of it. The timer was set to run just before dark. I used barely to keep costs down, and we had a few good nights shooting. Nutty Edited July 2, 2012 by nuttyspaniel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted November 21, 2012 Report Share Posted November 21, 2012 One of my bits of land has a pond which has provided good duck flighting in the past, mainly mallard with the occassional widgeon. I can't get out to feed it as often as it needs, and am thinking about using a hopper; would this work? If so, any advice on the type of hopper would be appreciated. The pond isn't too deep, maybe 2'6", and there is a small island in the middle. Also, should I feed wheat or barley? We use floating pallets and this kind of feeders http://www.schmid-futterautomaten.de/index.php?id=9 The combination is perfect in my eyes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickologjam Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 We have two ponds one with some released Mallard, the other we don't release. We just use blue barrels with springs same as we would pheasant positioned a little way off the pond edge. We always use Barley and have never struggled either keeping or attracting Duck. If you can get it on the island better still. Less wastage to vermin but no doubt the rats will find it eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 We have two ponds one with some released Mallard, the other we don't release. We just use blue barrels with springs same as we would pheasant positioned a little way off the pond edge. We always use Barley and have never struggled either keeping or attracting Duck. If you can get it on the island better still. Less wastage to vermin but no doubt the rats will find it eventually. HI nickologjam, may I asked what is the advantage of barley instead of wheat ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickologjam Posted November 22, 2012 Report Share Posted November 22, 2012 Good question. No doubt you will find lots of theories on this forum. Ive always believed that ducks find it more palatable than wheat. Although they would give everything up for potatoes!!! Wheat also tends to put more fat on ducks and they will over eat quite easily. Fat ducks = no flight!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 Good question. No doubt you will find lots of theories on this forum. Ive always believed that ducks find it more palatable than wheat. Although they would give everything up for potatoes!!! Wheat also tends to put more fat on ducks and they will over eat quite easily. Fat ducks = no flight!! Potatos smashed and cooked or just raw ? Your ducks love aoks and peas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 (edited) Best frozen or going off (a bit rotten) But raw smashed will do! Edited November 23, 2012 by Paul223 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickologjam Posted November 23, 2012 Report Share Posted November 23, 2012 Mine prefer jackets, knob of butter and a good mature cheddar (grated not sliced)!!! Alternatively frozen and mushy as above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted November 25, 2012 Report Share Posted November 25, 2012 Best frozen or going off (a bit rotten) But raw smashed will do! Interesting ! Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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