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Thread: Safe to stop feeding
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26-10-2024, 04:11 PM #1
Safe to stop feeding?
Hi,
I am new to the forum (Hi all!) and am after some advice.
I am due to be away for a little over 3 weeks from the beginning of November and am wondering if it will be safe to stop feeding my Koi/fish at this time? Usually, we would keep feeding until it gets below 10c or they stop showing interest, but with temps being at approx 12-14c lately, I don't think that will happen before we go. I have never had this issue before, so wanted to get some seasoned opinions before just leaving them to it. I could ask someone to come and feed them potentially, but I would rather not if possible.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Last edited by williamsc47; 26-10-2024 at 04:16 PM.
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26-10-2024, 06:52 PM #2
hi
install an auto feeder set for a minimum feed mid afternoon water should be at its warmest then.
they will survive without food ive sometimes stopped December to end of February
keith
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williamsc47 Thanked / Liked this Post
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26-10-2024, 07:08 PM #3
Under normal circumstances when their water is cold, koi will want very little food but it's important to feed them the very small amounts they need if they are actively looking for it. Although koi will survive not being fed during winter, they will emerge in better condition if they are fed small amounts whenever they are looking for food.
However that said, if you can't feed them or get someone to feed them for you, a three week break won't harm them. Just be careful to only feed small amounts when you return until their normal appetite for the pond temperature at the time returns. They will probably still only have a reduced appetite but just be careful not to overdo it due to a possible rush to catch up with what they've missed.
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27-10-2024, 01:43 AM #4
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
I did consider an automatic feeder, but did not like the idea of it dropping food in if the temp drops significantly. I did look to see if there was a "smart" pond feeder available that I could control remotely, but didn't come across anything for ponds, only aquariums. This could have been ideal as I have a camera and aquascape thermometer to remote monitor. I did wonder if I could use a mains connected auto feeder and then control it with a smart plug to some extent? Not sure how well this would work in practice...plus I now have very limited time to experiment. Wish I had thought of all this earlier.
Anyway, it's good to know that they should be OK if I do have to leave them with nothing. Still feel a little uncomfortable doing so though...oh decisions decisions.
Thanks again both of you...much appreciated.
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Manky Sanke Thanked / Liked this Post
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27-10-2024, 10:32 AM #5
There are several cat/dog feeders designed for dry food that work equally well with pond pellets.
Many of these have wifi control.
Downside is that they are not weather-proof and so you'd need to be creative to build a suitable housing.
I have successfully set up a feeding system which allows me to remotely see the temperature, the pond section where the food is dispensed and dial in the food amount/give snacks as well as having a programmable feeding regime.
Quick video here: https://youtu.be/Cl3vluGy6DE
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27-10-2024, 08:22 PM #6
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Ukzero Thanked / Liked this Post
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30-10-2024, 07:48 AM #7
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30-10-2024, 09:29 AM #8
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