[matilda duck]

In the last month we have got through 2 sacks of corn and 5 sacks of pellets .

Now I know chickens can eat ...and to be honest so can ducks too but........that amount!!!!!!! :blink:( I don't live at Bonkers!!!!)  I don't think so!!!!

So i've watched....the chickens food I place inside the coup but I do place the ducks outside on a tray so they can all socialise.
So whilst watching I've realised the Piddling Wood Pigeons are coming down and the doves and anything else huge .   Any ideas how to stop this?   

Can I put the food inside for the ducks?  It just seems unsociable........

Any ideas?

[poppies]

We had this touble with jackdaws they were also stealing the eggs so what we did was put a piece of net attached to the top of the coop down to the ground  pulled  out slightly and attached that end to a heavy piece of wood -we used fence posts  it has to be taut so the chickens dont get caught in it

the chickens will go inside but the wild birds wont go near it

[Roughlee Handled]

Try these
http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Galvanised_Treadle_Feeder.html#aT661726 They may need training.

I have not used them. But I know you have to train your flock. Can be used for ducks and chickens.

[Vember]

I've looked at those they do look rather handy, although it wouldn't take long for our maggies to work them out


Them duck numbers are rising MD your place could be turning into mini Bonkers


Sarah

[Roughlee Handled]

I think the magpies may not be heavy enough as it works on weight er I think.
Problems I can see are .... Two magpies trying at the same time and bantams not being able to get food.

[matilda duck]

Them duck numbers are rising MD your place could be turning into mini Bonkers


Sarah

Ha ha Sarah I bet the food bill isn't far off!!!!!

I'm just waiting to find out if Robert and Florence are boys  They are still NOT quacking ...Oh I hope they're girls.

[Vember]

Problems I can see are .... Two magpies trying at the same time

I can see them now, one saying to the other:

"Right just stand there and keep still put all your weight on your feet and I'll grab the nosh, yes I'll get you some Now keep watch for the tall people!"
 


Seriously It ain't good

Could you make a few scarecrows or put some of those windy things up like little windmills, might stop them going near?

I shall keep my fingers crossed you get quacks very soon

[Caralou]

Have seen the tits try to take food, but they're lucky to escape with their lives as both chooks and cats go running for them  The cats do seem to keep away most snackers from the pellets, but then they go and eat them instead  :blink: I have just given in and accepted that I need 2 large bags of pellets and a one corn a month, double the amount they should require 

[matilda duck]

 
Windmills or scarecrows there may be an idea

If I don't get a quack soon i'm gonna be cross... I rescued these beggers and all they give me in return is a vet bill for £xx and hassle.  I'm keeping my mouth shut next time ....as if

[Caralou]

How old are they MD. I'm the same as you waiting for Bumble to quack, I'm temped to pick him/her up as that is the only time he/she makes a noise!

[SMD66]

I have used treadle feeders and think they are great, the way to 'train' the flock is simple, place a stone on the treadle to keep the flap open for a few days. (take it off to close it over night)  It also helps initially to heap the food up in the opening so they can see it, (food is normally quite low and can't always be seen over the lip of the opening).  Mine only took a couple of days to get the hang of it, esp if put in same place as old feeder.  The greedy hubbards took about 5 seconds! 

[stamford]

I found the perfect answer to cure the Woodpigen problem   A .22 Air Rifle does a grand job and the Pigeon taste perfect, pan fry the breasts with some garlic and onions  

As for the horrible Magpies, dont think they'll taste as good so end up in the bin   Thieving egg pinching *