I have a 1/2 acre surface area pond with some pretty good depth at you move towards the dam. This pond was recently stocked with a good number of channel cats, a few blue cats, a half dozen grass carp, and 1000 minnows for forage. I do feed these fish as the idea was to raise the catfish up to edible size in as short a time window as possible. My place is relatively close to a state lake, so I do see a number of waterfowl throughout the year, namely quite a few mallards and wood ducks in the spring, with the occasional Canadian goose (I am quick to drive away the geese).
I am also a fan of poultry and have considered adding some domesticated ducks into the mix, mostly just for aesthetics (I have chickens for eggs and meat). My main question is whether a few ducks will prove problematic with this setup. I know that ducks are messy between the mud they churn up and the crap they produce, but the impact of this mess depends upon the size of the body of water. While I know they won't bother the catfish or grass carp I realize that the ducks would likely pick off some of the minnows, but they are just there as a food source anyway so that doesn't bother me.
The main question here, is would a few ducks be an acceptable introduction, or would even a small number muck up the pond to a degree that would prove deleterious to the catfish? If they would be an acceptable addition, how many would work well? Do I need to limit it to 2-3, or would a half dozen or even a dozen be acceptable? Also, what breeds would you suggest? I have been considering mallards and wood ducks as they are both pleasant to look at and natural visitors to my pond, as well as welsh harlequins or rouens. Would these be appropriate choices or do I need to look at other options?
I am also a fan of poultry and have considered adding some domesticated ducks into the mix, mostly just for aesthetics (I have chickens for eggs and meat). My main question is whether a few ducks will prove problematic with this setup. I know that ducks are messy between the mud they churn up and the crap they produce, but the impact of this mess depends upon the size of the body of water. While I know they won't bother the catfish or grass carp I realize that the ducks would likely pick off some of the minnows, but they are just there as a food source anyway so that doesn't bother me.
The main question here, is would a few ducks be an acceptable introduction, or would even a small number muck up the pond to a degree that would prove deleterious to the catfish? If they would be an acceptable addition, how many would work well? Do I need to limit it to 2-3, or would a half dozen or even a dozen be acceptable? Also, what breeds would you suggest? I have been considering mallards and wood ducks as they are both pleasant to look at and natural visitors to my pond, as well as welsh harlequins or rouens. Would these be appropriate choices or do I need to look at other options?
