Pekin Ducks and live fish

[Scott Barr]

Hi All - So now that the pond is built and the babies are thinking that theyare in heaven we were going to add some treats to their diets every once in a while. They love their food and then when we add is som e steamed squash or zuccini or watermellon they go nuts. Figured with a 600 gallon pond a few trash fish would be a treat they would love to hunt down and enjoy ... any thoughts from anyone on this? Thanks in advance for helping us further spoil our babies ....

 

[Kevin565]

Yes you can indeed feed them live fish. However, you MUST buy them from a reliable source. Feeding them fish carrying diseases or parasites can be passed along to the birds.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes you can indeed feed them live fish. However, you MUST buy them from a reliable source. Feeding them fish carrying diseases or parasites can be passed along to the birds.

What do you mean by reliable sourse Kevin? Pet Smart etc? how about going down to the river and catching minnows we have alot but I haven't caught any for mine in a couple of years.

 

[Kevin565]

What do you mean by reliable sourse Kevin? Pet Smart etc? how about going down to the river and catching minnows we have alot but I haven't caught any for mine in a couple of years.

If you have a fresh water source near you I would defiantly vote catching from there over petsmart. Every petsmart I've ever been too has a bunch of dead fish in the tank as well as obvious signs of parasites. If you have a local fish store that would be your better bet. Many of them keep feeder fish on hand for Cichlids and they are usually kept in much better conditions and show no signs of parasites. Another option is to breed your own. Breeding livebearers is very very easy to do. This is a much more controlled situation and you can always have a steady supply on hand.

 

[jtbrown]

We bought a dozen feeder fish from our locally run pet shop for 1.47. Although odd that it was a family event, it was a hoot to watch. My little Pekins were wagging their little white tails as fast as they coul trying to catch those fish. Quite fun to watch and a little extra nutrition to boot. I cant speak to the suggestion of local stream, etc. but it is worth figuring out where to get them just to watch the joy of your duckies.

Ps. - great set up, love the pick. Have fun!

 

[Scott Barr]

Added the lights yesterday ... ahhhh

 

[Miss Lydia]

Added the lights yesterday ... ahhhh

Very nice do your ducks stay on the pond all night? don't you worry about preds?

 

[Scott Barr]

No they are out from 7am until 9pm then they go in their run which is totally enclosed. We are in a residential setting but too many things could get em at night.

 

[Miss Lydia]

No they are out from 7am until 9pm then they go in their run which is totally enclosed. We are in a residential setting but too many things could get em at night.

Okay good, just made me nervous when i saw them still on the pond and it was dark, your setting is beautiful, I know you all are enjoying it.