Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Ducks Feeding

Had half dozen young wood ducks feeding right below fish feeder
(AquaPro 150DX)tonight. The battery was low leaving an excess of feed next to feeder on the shore,I assume. Them feeding didn't seem like a problem under circumstances. This was first time ever seeing duck any where close do geese set up house feeding in water? That could be a problem IMO.

Thanks
Mark

Howdy, Mark, and welcome to the Forum.

This is the first year I have had Mallards eating fish feed regularly. There are two drakes and a hen, at least one of which has shown up at one pond or another practically every night for over a month now.

In contrast, I have had Canada geese near the pond(s) for several years, and have never observed any goose eating fish feed. Similarities of fish diet to dabbling duck diet may have something to do with this; geese seem to be more land plant (grass) eaters. OTOH I have always encouraged the geese to vamoose.

MarkS, welcome to the forum, just like Theo I had mallards last year that would paddle over to the fish feeder about 5 minutes before it went off, they had great timing.

I made a floating duck house this spring out of 1 1/2" rigid styrofoam insulation. A Mallard took right to it and nested twice. She took her first batch away after two days and apparently lost them. She kept the second batch here. Only 4 out of 11 eggs hatched. I think the box is too small to allow her to turn her eggs. A larger one is in the plans for next year.

A few days before her eggs hatched the 2nd time around, she began joining the catfish at feeding time. Now, she and her babies join right in the feeding frenzy.

Catfish food is twice the protein level ducks should have but twice a day surely can't hurt too much. We also put out some cracked corn at the water's edge that they enjoy.

Its been a job trying to rid the pond of snapping turtles. 9 have "departed" but one still eludes me. I think its what got two of the babies and almost got a 3rd. That ducks name is now "Lucky Duckie". Its left leg was injured but a trip to the vet, a few days of antibiotics in the garage and she is back with Mama and doing better every day. We lucked out as our Vet takes care of wild animals at no charge.

My only experience with ducks in the past has been "snapshots" of their lives. To watch the whole process daily from nest site selection to the babies flying away (hopefully) has been very entertaining and educational. They're now 35 days old and counting..

Most other ducks I would give the boot but I have a soft heart for woodies. I'd let them steal some free fish food. They are a neat bird! Their call is so neat.

Definitely a softie for woodies, and also black bellied whistling ducks. Mine are too shy to filch feed... at least while I'm around.