pauld37

Was given some rather large Koi recently,and was wondering as to how much feeding they need this time of year.

I know they go into a hibernation type of state when its gets to a certain temperture, have read a few books but they seem to differ as to whats best to do.

Have been giving them wheatgerm feed every 2-3 days but the non sinking stuff

David Lock

I think most folk would say none when it's really cold. We give ours a small amount if it's a bit warmer and they are swimming around looking peckish. You must ensure that if you do give them anything it must be the right food for winter periods. dl

pauld37

The wheatgerm stuff is the thing to give them I'm told, but was also told to feed them sinking pellets but cant find any of the wheatgerm variety

David Lock

Personally I always use the floating pellets and if they can't be arsed to come up and feed then I reckon they are not hungry. Plus you can judge it so that's there's little waste food left.

Currently our fish are all lined up like soldiers on the bottom of the pond. Tenchie is pi$$ed off because I removed the bottom blanket weed which he liked to hibernate under. Got very cross once when I poked him 'cos I thought he was dead

pauld37

Yep the same as ours

mart360

if the captive variety are anything like the coarse cousins, they will feed if you get a warm snap, they like to feed on the side of the thermocline, ie id the sun hits the pond on the east the water on the west will be warmer, according to the carp manuals

i always thought koi were bottom feeders like there coisins

give em some boilies,


and remove the sizes 12,s and hair rigs first

Mart

richiewong

Thats my thought, just spod 20lbs of trout pellets, that'll get them into a feeding frenzy

The Rani

Mine never used to eat if the water temp was below 8 deg C, usually meant October to April unless it was a year like this one!

pauld37

andypugh2000

My koi are still feeding on wheatgerm pellets, I soak them in boiling water and leave them to cool, this makes them sink and softens them up for easier digestion, it also provides a "sinking food" for my sturgeon who never comes to the top to feed and will starve to death if not fed properly.

I would say keep feeding them until they decide they will not eat it

Andy

pauld37

Cheers Andy, will try that, gotta feed them something

David Lock

Hi Andy, You might want to use special Sturgeon food as Koi stuff not right spec' for long term use. IIRC not enough protein.

http://www.sturgeon-web.co.uk/

dl

Merv

iTrader: (12)

Paul,only feed if water temp is above 6 deg C and is going to stay above for a while,as fish digestion will slow right down or even stop at low temps and the food will rot in the stomach causing a lot of problems later on.

Brown bread is a safe bet if they are looking for food,and is easily digested.

Merv

pauld37

Thanks for the info. Merv

andypugh2000

Also worth noting that if your pond is deep (over 3feet) then its unlikely it will fall below 6 degrees, mine is 4ft and the fish seem to stay fairly lively at the bottom.

David, I have feed the sturgeon nishkio for around 12 months now as it was recommended being 37% protein....but saying that I was actually looking into getting some sturgeon pellets.

Hows the pond BTW you should post up a picture

Andy

David Lock

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...uet/POND-1.jpg

Andy - the Sturgeon link in post above is a pal of mine and I get all my fish food from him. He is Graham Quick and also does Sturgeon pellets by mail order. It's top quality and a good price. Don't get him started on the subject of fish food as sold in most shops!! I can't remember where you are but Graham has a fish farm at Washington which is 10 miles south of Horsham on the A24. Fascinating to visit and have a chat (phone first though).

My pond's started to settle down this second season although blanket weed was a constant battle and one "green" incident because I hadn't replaced my UV lights. David

andypugh2000

Looking great David, I like in woking surrey so its not too far, I have actually read up on his website about his centre which I will be paying a visit to in the near future I shall give him a bell

Andy

pauld37

Nice looking pond Dave

andypugh2000

I went to visit Grahams farm....The size of some of those sturgeon

Got some food off him and some really good advice, thanks David

Andy

David Lock

Hey you should have phoned me - I'm only a couple of miles away! But glad you enjoyed the visit and Graham is a really nice guy David