pond

[tinkertaylor]

hi all ive just been given permission to shoot a 1 acre pond Ive been shooting it since mid oct and feeding it in the shallows with wheat . rolled barley, rape tailings, tatties, and the odd bag of soya that's been crushed. the pond itself is around a foot deep around the edges then slopes of to about 4 foot theres a island in the middle ive tried wadeing to it but its soft mud underneath so didn't risk it, thinking next year a platform to reach it also some permanent hides made out of pallets in each corner. ive taken a few duck and geese of it already but my question is im struggleing to keep on top of the feeding side of it due to work by the time I finish in the week its already getting dark and by the time I reach the pond its almost dark and I end up pushing birds of so I don't bother goin in the week ive just ended up putting a bag in every sunday when I can get over it could do with feeding on a regular basis with the amount of birds ive seen in the ares so the question is are there any auto feeders or home made feeders which will put a bit of food in every now and then, ive thought about putting a pheasant feeder in 1 corner with the coil spring just touching the water but don't no if this will work with wildfowl being dabblers not peckers any how any info much appreciated lee

[r1steele]

hi all ive just been given permission to shoot a 1 acre pond Ive been shooting it since mid oct and feeding it in the shallows with wheat . rolled barley, rape tailings, tatties, and the odd bag of soya that's been crushed. the pond itself is around a foot deep around the edges then slopes of to about 4 foot theres a island in the middle ive tried wadeing to it but its soft mud underneath so didn't risk it, thinking next year a platform to reach it also some permanent hides made out of pallets in each corner. ive taken a few duck and geese of it already but my question is im struggleing to keep on top of the feeding side of it due to work by the time I finish in the week its already getting dark and by the time I reach the pond its almost dark and I end up pushing birds of so I don't bother goin in the week ive just ended up putting a bag in every sunday when I can get over it could do with feeding on a regular basis with the amount of birds ive seen in the ares so the question is are there any auto feeders or home made feeders which will put a bit of food in every now and then, ive thought about putting a pheasant feeder in 1 corner with the coil spring just touching the water but don't no if this will work with wildfowl being dabblers not peckers any how any info much appreciated lee

You can get automated spinners with timers etc and they can run off a small solar cell or electric fence battery. Not a huge fan myself as they inevitably throw feed onto the ground as well as in the water which attracts vermin, but if you cannot get there regular it's worth a go. Would the farmer or anyone nearer be able to maybe feed it a couple of times a week when they are passing the pond in return for a couple of ducks?

[r1steele]

If you are going to put a platform on to the island, try and build it so it's 4 or 5 inches bellow the water level (cover the walkway in mesh). My ponds are done this way and it gives the ducks a more secure island to roost on as it prevents most vermin getting across. If you have willow growing around the ponds take some simple cuttings once they start budding and just push them into the ground around your pattet hides and once grown they can be kept trimmed up giving you some good hides.

Edited December 21, 2013 by r1steele

[kent]

That island being inaccessible might be a hidden gem as it gives a sanctuary to the fowl were they are not disturbed much by vermin or persons and feel safe. The last thing I should do is create access to it, the only thing I might consider is a few trips by boat prior to nesting and placing a load of duck tunnels over there. I don't fully get what you have there without viewing but it sounds a good goose roost / nesting area

[tinkertaylor]

thanks for the replys chaps will bear ur ideas in mind

[hatsanmad]

I would put some pheasant feeders on it. Say two close into the waters edge and one or two on the island also a floating platform with a sack or two with grain ect on it. But if your not intending on shooting it through the week i dont see why you cant feed it through the week even if you do put the birds up they will return as they know thats were the food is.