I have seen wild ducks so tame that within a fortnight from the time they first joined my own birds they were eating maize close to my feet.
Having obtained my piece of water and decided on the spot where I mean to feed my birds, the next step is to get the breeding stock.
I consider that the best time to purchase the stock is December, as this gives ample time for the birds to pair and get used to their surroundings before the breeding season commences; one is almost sure to get some cold weather in January, and the cold will make the birds more dependent on the food given to them, and therefore more easily managed.
Next as to the stock and where to get it.
I advise you to obtain your birds from different places, two or three birds from each place, taking care to get fairly young birds, and not older than, say, two years. By this means you will get a certain amount of change of blood, particularly during the second season, when the different broods, which have been well mixed at hatching time, pick their mates and breed.
COMING IN TO FEED