Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Storing Fish Feed

Just wanted to know what would be some ways to store my left over feed until I get my feeder or use it up.

I do not want it to get infested with bugs or anything.

Thanks

I just keep my bag folded up tightly and keep a weight on top so it doesn't unfold while it's siting. I don't have a feeder, either, and just feed by hand several times per week. There's probably a better way, but this seems to be working just fine for me.

I use storage tubs and separate my pellets by size: 400, 500, 600. Then I have three smaller buckets with lids I keep in the back of my truck at all times to fill the feeders as necessary or to have pellets handy to feed by hand. System works great for me.

The smaller buckets I use are 3G former kitty litter containers, washed out several times of course to remove the perfume and any chemicals. The lids on these are airtight and they make awesome smaller containers for many uses.

I will have to the first idea until I get some tubs, or at least ones with lids.

Question I have is how much should I feed just starting out? Our ponds are small probably 1/4 to 1/2 acre.

I know that you should not feed more than they can eat in 15-20 minutes but when starting out it may take the fish a while to find it.

Any ideas?

Handfeed at first, get them accustomed to the appearance of a pellet on the water and the association with food. Take notes on how long it takes for them to finish a handful, two handfuls, three etc. 10 minutes is my personal rule. Keep increasing amount until you reach this 10-15 min mark. One second feedings from feeder are good places to start. Monitor their progress. I personally dont exceed 1 second feedings rather opt to feed multiple times a day - my fish seem to like LESS food more FREQUENTLY - each fishery may be different. I've tried longer feeding times and they don't seem to clean it all up.

So what should I expect my first few feedings?

Should it be eaten or will most of it sink?

What types of fish are you feeding?

I of course have a little bit of everything in the pond I am going to start feeding first then move to the others.

I am really wanting to get the CC up and feeding so I can see how many are still in there and if they have grown any.

This may make it a little easier to catch them as well.

I would like to see what they are currently eating but if I can not catch them before they start feeding I have a feeling pellets are all I will see in there bellies.