Not Really Winter
Today is February 17th and the high is near 60°! These warmer-than-normal temperatures are leading to an earlier spring. I have been watching the pond temperature fluctuate with a low in the high 30s and several days above 50°. That being said, the internet tells me we may still see snow later this month and mid to late March. (Yes – we REALLY NEED SNOW!)
With the pond water warming up to 50° on some days and getting closer on others, the possibility of needing to feed the fish comes into question. Fish have metabolisms that completely depend on the water temperature. Even though the air temperature may be in the 60s, the water temperature may not be as warm. When water temperatures are around 50° fish begin to be more active and may need calories.
I love to watch the birds bathe in our pond.
Should you feed the fish?
Look for signs from the fish. The sunnier the pond, the more active they will likely be right now. If the pond is in the shade, the water may be slightly cooler and you may see less activity. Another thing to consider is if the pump is running right now or not. In our lily pond (that does not have a waterfall), the water is cooler and the fish are less active.
If your fish are in a sunny pond and are active, you might want to consider feeding them cool weather food. Once a fish eats, it may take 4 to 6 hours for them to digest it and the cool weather food is more easily digested. If you choose to feed your fish during these warm spells:
- Look at the weather: will it be warm for several days in a row? If it is going to snow tomorrow – don’t feed them!
- Don’t feed them as much as you would mid-summer.
- Watch them eat and make sure they eat all the food within 3 minutes. Are they even coming up to eat? If not, don’t feed them.
- If there is uneaten food, get it out! Do not let it sink or get sucked into the skimmer.
- Do not feed them flake food.
- If you choose to feed them do it early in the day, when it is sunny and be sunny for the next 4 hours.
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Speaking of Warm Weather...
It is a good idea to add Cold Water Bacteria. Nutrients in the water feed algae. The plants aren’t up yet to help process nutrients, and yet regular bacteria won’t survive in water this cool. There are several brands available, like Microbe-Lift (Professional Blend Dry/Cold Weather), The Pond Digger Cold Temperature Bacteria (effective even with ice), and Natural Waterscapes WinterGard
Want to read more information about Feeding you fish? Read How to Feed Your Pond Fish.
Always look for signs from the fish.
* This blog was NOT written by AI. This was written by me. I am not a professional writer, I am a pond person. Therefore, if you see a typo, please forgive me!
*No koi were harmed in the making of this content.