Should I continue to feed my fish in winter?

Should I continue to feed my fish in winter? We received many questions as winter approached regarding the food to distribute to the fish in the pond.

The first thing you should do is measure the water temperature with a pond/swimming pool thermometer .

When the water temperature is below 6-7C°, you will quickly notice that koi carp and fish will no longer come to "seek" food on the surface of your pond. However, if there was a thaw and warmer temperatures, you could start feeding again.

If temperatures are above 7°C, what to feed?

In general when the water temperature is between 7 and 15C°, we advise you to distribute "Wheat-Germ" food .

If you have any questions about the food to distribute according to the seasons, we have designed a food space on our shop that allows you to quickly select the type of food (filter on your right).

You can contact us directly on the chat at the bottom right. If your fish are still eating, it is important that all the wheat-germ food is assimilated within 5 minutes maximum to prevent this food from decomposing and creating organic matter.

Don't forget to continue feeding your sturgeon(s) throughout the winter as they continue to be active despite lower temperatures.

Is it inadvisable to feed fish in winter (temperature below 7°C)?

A fish is a cold-blooded animal, when the temperature drops, its metabolism slows down. It enters a phase called " hibernation ". In recent years, it is no longer rare to feed these fish in the winter season when the temperatures are still mild. This was the case in December 2022, 12°C recorded in Valenciennes on 30/12.

When a fish is in " hibernation ", it does not move much, hardly stirs and therefore uses little energy. It draws on its fat reserves to get through the winter.

What to choose as food for my pond fish in winter?

In low season, when temperatures drop below 15°C, fish need more suitable food that is easier to assimilate. Most good food manufacturers use wheat germ.

• HIKARI WHEAT-GERM (very digestible at low temperature)
• HIKARI WHEAT-GERM SINKING (flowing)
• ICHI FOOD WINTER SINKING (flowing, suitable for deep pond)
• SAKI HIKARI MULTI SEASON (based on wheat germ, very digestible and also contains probiotic bacteria).

How much food should be distributed during this period?

• From 20 to 30°C: 1 to 3 times a day: the dose must be consumed within 5min.
• From 15 to 20°C: 1 to 2 times a day: the dose must be consumed.
• From 5 to 15°C: no more than 2X/D: the dose must be consumed within 5min.

There are other brands but here is a non-exhaustive list of manufacturers to recommend with your eyes closed :-) A question? Contact us via the form right here and continue browsing our blog dedicated to advice .