Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology (2+1)

Unit 17 - Feeding devices and Methods

17.3.Demand feeder
There are different varieties of demand feeders but their general principle is the same. Demand feeders are controlled by the fish themselves according to their appetite. Some species of fish learn very rapidly to use demand feeders but they are usually unsuitable for small fish which are unable to operate them. The fish touch the rod connected to a plug or plate in the bottom of the feed hopper. This plug normally closes the hopper so that feed does not fall out. When moved by the movement of the bait rod, a small quantity of feed is released. The quantity of feed released on each occasion can be controlled by the shape and design of the plug. The plug is usually ball shaped or an inverted cone.