Feeding Pondfish In Winter

[fishnovice]

just read another topic where various members were suggesting special winter food for pond fish. I have small (3.5-4 inch) golden rudd normally fed on floating tropical pellets and occasionally goldfish flakes.They went off their food a month ago when it was really cold but now it's warmer they are very active and eating enthusiastically, though I only feed once a day now. Should I continue feeding pellets or switch to this wheatgerm stuff?

 

[fishnovice]

Any suggestions? Stick to normal food or switch to wheatgerm?

 

[saph.st24]

hi
yes feed wheatgerm but if the temp of the pond goes below 8 degress c stop feeding

get the pellet wheatgerm rather then the stick type

 

[fishnovice]

What, do you mean stop feeding altogether for weeks maybe months if temp falls below 8*?
Won't fish starve to death if they don't eat for 2 months?

 

[saph.st24]

hi yes stop feeding altogther
they wont starve theres stuff in the pond they can feed on
it is rare to get water temps to stay below 8Dc for months in the uk but if your worried then you can cover your pond and insulate the filter and pipes with cheap and simple bubblewrap to help keep some heat in so you can feed for longer

 

[simonas]

I stopped feeding a week or two ago

did the same last year and I still have same fish with no casualties only difference I am doing this year is keeping the filter on as last year I listened to advice from someone and switched it off

 

[Truck]

The reason they don't eat as much when its cold is because their metabolisms slow down so they don't need to eat as much.I agree with the above, buy a wheat germ pellet, thats what we used to feed ours.