What to feed minnows in a remote pond?

[penokee]

Looking for ideas on how to raise minnows in a remote pond that I get to only once every two weeks or so. Dug the pond last November, and have put in approx. 150 minnows in the past two months. Hope to establish a minnow population, so I can put in a dozen or so rainbow trout.

I threw a couple of loafs of bread into the pond - do they eat bread? Also wondering why dry dog food wouldn't work. Any experiences along these lines appreciated.

Picture of pond attached.

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Jagmandave]

I don't know about minnows, but the catfish in my pond sure like dry dog food! I was told the cheaper the better, since the cheap stuff floats longer........of course, you'd be wanting puppy chow for minnows, right? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[fishman]

Odds are you won't need to put anything in there for them to eat. However, if you feel you must, I would recommend getting a small automatic vibratory feeder and appropriate food (maybe Koi food). Here is a good source: Aquatic Ecosystems

The dogfood idea does appeal to the "do-it-yourself" nature of most of the folks on this board. However, catfish need at least 28% protein, which is more than the amount found in most dogfoods. The added fillers in dogfood also tend to increase biological oxygen demand when they decompose in the bottom of the pond. Considering the fact that premium fish food costs less than $15 per 50 lbs, and only about 6 bags are needed for a 1 acre pond for a growing season, the difference in cost is inconsequential.

 

[PineRidge]

The fish food we use is made by Purina and we get most of it from TSC although we have used a few other sources as well. Just a few short years ago when we stocked our farm pond the catfish were barely 2 inches in length. Now on a diet of the floating fish food we have scaled some in excess of 10 pounds. They are a real blast to catch. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[penokee]

Jagman, Good one - /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I was actually thinking of grinding up some dry puppy food in an old meat grinder. Since I only get to the site once every week or two I have to feed pretty heavy. Planted minnows to see if they would live, now plan to put in a dozen rainbow trout for the grandkids to catch. Water temp. yesterday was 58d, air temp 87d. Appreciate all the other replies, plan to check out those sites.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Picture of Wilderness Pond on 6-26-05 attached.

 

[Panache]

Get a deer feeder and use fingerling feed. I had to do that for my bream when they were little.

 

[fishman]

The temptation is to feed more when feeding is infrequent. However, most of the food that isn't immediately consumed will simply sink to the bottom and decompose, resulting in problems like I detailed above. The rule of thumb is to feed only that amount that the fish will consume in 15-20 minutes.