Pond Boss Magazine
https://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/20130301193901_6_150by50orangewhyshouldsubscribejpeg.jpg
Advertisment
Newest Members
Grit160, Falcons_King, Aakash, REDRIDER07, Sparkyyc
18,441 Registered Users
Forum Statistics
Forums36
Topics40,872
Posts556,784
Members18,441
Most Online3,612
Jan 10th, 2023
Top Posters
esshup 28,365
ewest 21,463
Cecil Baird1 20,043
Bill Cody 15,097
Who's Online Now
3 members (Bobbss, anthropic, Fishingadventure), 519 guests, and 149 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
C
CFish Offline OP
OP Offline
C
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
2 totally unrelated questions for the experts out there:

1) 10 acre pond in central NC. Based on forum feedback I purchased a Texas Hunter feeder and installed it on my dock. The bluegill have responded very well and I am currently feeding 12 second cycles 3x per day (morning - noon - evening). The grass carp discovered the food source as well and definitely get their fair share - not sure I can do much about that. More recently the 6 geese that seem to have taken up residence have discovered the feeder and when it goes off they just go to town on the fish food. Im guessing they are getting as much as half of the feed before the fish can get any. FWIW I am feeding Purina Aquamax currently. So - other then the obvious answer (shooting them) - any ideas on how I might dissuade them from the free meal?

2) As we near the time when the bluegill typically start bedding here in my part of NC, it occurred to me that if they are increasingly getting conditioned to hanging out in the general area of the feeder - they might not go to their spawning areas which are in somewhat specific locations in different parts of the pond. Is this a concern? Does anybody recommend curtailing the feeding during spawning time so that the fish will concentrate on reproduction rather then easy meals at the feeder?

Thanks for any insights!

- Cullen

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,657
Likes: 273
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,657
Likes: 273
Cullen, I think the only way you'll stop the geese from eating the fish feed is getting rid of the geese via several different methods.

A friend of mine had a geese problem at his office that bordered a stream, and he had always cut the grass adjacent to the stream. He was told that the geese feel safer when the grass is cut, and thus will stay in that area. So my buddy doesn't cut the grass there now and the geese have left.

I would certainly not want to waste feed on geese which I consider a 100% nuisance creature.


Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,657
Likes: 273
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,657
Likes: 273
Regarding the question on bluegill, we think the males are the ones that guard the nests after the female puts her eggs down. As such, I'm not sure the male bluegill will leave the nest a good distance to feed once the eggs are laid.

Let's see what others say on that and the geese.


Excerpt from Robert Crais' "The Monkey's Raincoat:"
"She took another microscopic bite of her sandwich, then pushed it away. Maybe she absorbed nutrients from her surroundings."

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,931
Likes: 267
Moderator
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Lunker
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,931
Likes: 267
It all depends on whether the BG prefer feeding or spawning.

IME prime of life BG prefer spawning. The very young and the very old might as well eat.


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
[Linked Image from i.pinimg.com]
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,463
Likes: 261
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,463
Likes: 261
BG males guard the nest for about 2 weeks. Usually in a BG colony of nests. Some spawn in single nests but not many. They will eat during that time but not likely to swim away from the nest.

Get rid of the geese. Dogs will help sometimes. Loud noises will also run them off. Projectiles directed at them will also work. They don't like nets either.

That is a long run time (12 x 3) for this time of year. Absent the geese how long does it take for the fish to eat all the feed? Usually as the water temps go up in spring BG metabolism increases and food consumption increases (up to water temps of about 90 F).

Last edited by ewest; 04/07/22 10:20 AM.















Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 321
Likes: 84
C
Offline
C
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 321
Likes: 84
Aversion to killing geese, or aversion to shooting? I wouldn't be very accommodating to those feathered rats eating up my $$$

1 member likes this: gehajake
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
Has anyone tried a feeding ring (or PVC square) that has ropes or wire attached to make a grid?

The feeder food would fall right through, but a 1' grid made of high-tensile wire should be uncomfortable for the geese.

Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
C
CFish Offline OP
OP Offline
C
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
Thanks for the great feedback! I am not particularly adverse to shooting the critters, but my wife and 3 year old son love watching the geese (he has actually named a couple of them) and I would not win any favor at home if they suddenly disappeared... I might try some loud noise deterrents and see if that helps - I just can't always be there when the feeder goes off. As far as dogs go, we actually have two labs. Unfortunately, they seem to like the geese as well - especially all of the snacks the geese leave for them in the back yard. When the dogs run out back after I let them out in the morning the geese don't even give them a second look and the dogs are just nose down snacking on goose turds in a matter of seconds.

Regarding the feed times - I am admittedly a total amateur at all of this. If 3 times a day for 12 seconds seems too long - what might be more appropriate? When the feeder goes off I would estimate I see the bream splashing on the food for about ten minutes at the current setting.

1 member likes this: catscratch
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,859
Likes: 297
A
Online Content
A
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,859
Likes: 297
Cullen, I have geese issues as well. A few non-shooting strategies may help:

1. Shift some feeding to night, especially after midnight.

2. Feed smaller amounts, but more frequently. My experience is that the fish start feeding first, then the geese crash the party. Smaller amounts tilt the advantage to the fish, less left for the feathered thieves.

3. Search for sinking feeds.

4. If legal, addle the eggs. The only thing worse than six geese is twice that many!

Like you, I can't shoot the geese without causing a bear market in the domestic tranquility index, but these strategies seem to help. Best of luck!

Last edited by anthropic; 04/07/22 05:20 PM.

7ac 2015 CNBG RES FHM 2016 TP FLMB 2017 NLMB GSH L 2018 TP & 70 HSB PK 2019 TP RBT 2020 TFS TP 25 HSB 250 F1,L,RBT -206 2021 TFS TP GSH L,-312 2022 GSH TP CR TFS RBT -234, 2023 BG TP TFS NLMB, -160




1 member likes this: CFish
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,463
Likes: 261
E
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Hall of Fame 2014
Lunker
E
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,463
Likes: 261
With the geese absent see how much time it takes for the fish to eat what you put out.
















Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 71
Zep Offline
Hall of Fame 2014
Offline
Hall of Fame 2014
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 71
Five of the six goose eggs made it.

Then Daddy goose departed.

Now Momma goose has her hands full.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]


Fishing has never been about the fish....

1 member likes this: FishinRod
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
Good luck to the Momma!

How many different predators are there that live in Texas and eat goslings? I expect that number is quite large.

Do you provide any goose protection at your pond?

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
Wish we had geese around here….. have a few squealers and a stray woody but have never seen a Canadian goose around here

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,365
Likes: 774
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,365
Likes: 774
Bottle rockets, etc. should scare the geese away. As the summer progresses, and the Filamentous Algae problem gets worse, thank the geese for that - their poop is rich in nutrients, which feed the FA.


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
If you pair Pat's post and esshup's post, then you have a perfect Pond Boss "it depends" couplet regarding Canadian geese!

1 member likes this: Zep
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,365
Likes: 774
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Offline
Moderator
Ambassador
Field Correspondent
Lunker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 28,365
Likes: 774
Originally Posted by FishinRod
If you pair Pat's post and esshup's post, then you have a perfect Pond Boss "it depends" couplet regarding Canadian geese!


LOL

With the amount of droppings they leave behind, Pat may change his mind if his wish is granted. Not only in the water, but on the land, AND if there is a BOW nearby that has invasive plants in it, then those droppings that end up in the water have a good possibility of having invasive plant seeds in them. You have to make it a rule to take your shoes off before entering the house or you will track goose poop indoors. Look at the dogs feet too.....


www.hoosierpondpros.com


http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
P
Offline
P
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 184
Hmmm maybe good that we don’t
We got plenty of coons and they poop all on the pier nitely

Last edited by Pat Williamson; 05/15/22 06:41 PM.
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 71
Zep Offline
Hall of Fame 2014
Offline
Hall of Fame 2014
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 71
Originally Posted by FishinRod
How many different predators are there that live in Texas and eat goslings?
FishinRod...yes lots of predators....I am surprised that five goslings have survived this long. We have fox, yotes, coons, hawks, owls, eagles (sometimes), the hogs don't come up to where the ponds are, not sure if otters are in pond now....seems like they are gone for now,

Originally Posted by FishinRod
Do you provide any goose protection at your pond?
Just don't mow the peninsula where the nest is/was.
Momma goose seems to keep them near & under a willow tree on the water's edge.
I guess the willows keep them relatively hidden and they can jump in water if land based predators arrive.
The little ones stay close to Momma Goose.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]


Fishing has never been about the fish....

Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 996
Likes: 57
T
Offline
T
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 996
Likes: 57
Originally Posted by anthropic
The only thing worse than six geese is twice that many!

X 2

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
F
Lunker
Offline
Lunker
F
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 579
Originally Posted by Zep
Originally Posted by FishinRod
Do you provide any goose protection at your pond?
Just don't mow the peninsula where the nest is/was.
Momma goose seems to keep them near & under a willow tree on the water's edge.
I guess the willows keep them relatively hidden and they can jump in water if land based predators arrive.
The little ones stay close to Momma Goose.

[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]

That Momma Goose instinctually knows how to keep them as safe as possible from all of the predators you listed. Pretty impressive for that tiny bird brain.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Today's Birthdays
PasquotankPond
Recent Posts
What did you do at your pond today?
by Boondoggle - 03/19/24 12:13 AM
Horizontal vs Vertical (big bass)?
by FishinRod - 03/18/24 09:41 PM
Watershed or Groundwater Pond?
by FishinRod - 03/18/24 09:30 PM
Pond needs help!
by Falcons_King - 03/18/24 06:31 PM
A modest proposal
by anthropic - 03/18/24 06:29 PM
Hybrid Striper Stocking Frequency
by esshup - 03/18/24 05:26 PM
Rust in Small Engine Gas Tank
by esshup - 03/18/24 05:17 PM
Bladderwort problem
by ewest - 03/18/24 02:49 PM
Managing black crappie
by Sunil - 03/18/24 12:47 PM
Reducing fish biomass
by Snipe - 03/17/24 10:08 PM
Water hyacinth woes: Dredging?
by esshup - 03/17/24 05:52 PM
I'M NEW SO BEAR WITH ME
by FishinRod - 03/17/24 04:12 PM
Newly Uploaded Images
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
Eagles Over The Pond Yesterday
by Tbar, December 10
Deer at Theo's 2023
Deer at Theo's 2023
by Theo Gallus, November 13
Minnow identification
Minnow identification
by Mike Troyer, October 6
Sharing the Food
Sharing the Food
by FishinRod, September 9
Nice BGxRES
Nice BGxRES
by Theo Gallus, July 28
Snake Identification
Snake Identification
by Rangersedge, July 12

� 2014 POND BOSS INC. all rights reserved USA and Worldwide

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5