Koi Feeding

Koi are omnivorous by nature and need a varied diet. Vegetation is as important as animal fat. Sweet corn, rice and peas can be fed to Koi which are very easy to digest and can be used as a springtime food, as they stimulate the digestive system. As temperatures rise, bloodworm (red mosquito larvae) should be fed to provide an element of protein. As the water temperature rises above 10?c foods higher in protein can be fed. It is important at temperatures between 5?c and 10?c not to feed fish foodstuff high in protein. At these lower temperatures fish be come dormant and torpid and use more energy digesting food than they get from it. The aim is to help the fish increase its fat reserves during the summer months by feeding higher protein foods to carry the fish over the winter months. Below 5?c fish should not be fed at all.

During the summer month?s foods such as red and black mosquito larvae, white worm, water fleas, Cyclops, krill (small shrimps) and prawns should be regular offerings to Koi as well as vegetation. These foods are readily available from aquatic retailers in frozen packs generally for tropical fish, bulk packs are also available but they may have to be ordered. Dried foods are excellent but make sure they are specially formulated for koi. They should contain vitamins, colour enhancers and spirulina. Dried wheat germ is a good low temperature food to use but again not below 5?c. A good tip when feeding dried food is to pre soak it in pond water, to soften it and prevent any digestive blockages. During this soaking period it is beneficial to add vitamins in liquid or dried form. Do not add vitamin supplements straight into your pond, as it will be used up by bacteria thus raising your pathogen levels. NT labs produce a liquid vitamin supplement which is available on our website. Oranges are a good source of vitamins, cut an orange in half and float it fleshy parts down and watch your fish eat and push it around.

To speak to an expert about Koi, please call 08456 589 599