Don't walk away from the pond before they start to eat.
Withhold food for a day if they won't eat in front of you.
Gradually, the Koi will equate you with food. This usually takes about 3 to 5 days. Tease them
closer with small sprinklings of food. Put your hands in the water while they eat. The Koi will
learn that food comes from your hand. Start with just a few pellets.
The bravest Koi will soon be nudging your hand. It is only a matter of time and all of your fish
will swimming, jumping and splashing toward you every time you walk by the pond.
Koi Feeding Guide
A Koi's metabolism functions best at temperatures above 70° F. High protein foods are difficult
to digest when the water falls below 65° F.
However, Koi still need sufficient carbohydrates for energy when water temperatures are low.
This is particularly true for Koi less than 1 year old.
Squash, bread, peas, citrus fruits, and watermelon are good sources of carbohydrates. Never
overfeed your fish! Koi do not have a stomach. Feed smaller quantities more frequently for
better nutritional absorption.
Feed only as much as the fish will eat in about 3-5 minutes. Koi pellets should be fresh and
used within three months to prevent oxidation of the food.
Water Temp. (°F.) Feeding Frequency Food Type
Less than 50ºF
Do not feed Koi.
Temperatures at 50° F. of more than one month may require supplemental feedings of low
protein and high carbohydrates.
50-55ºF
2-3 times a week if Koi are hungry.
High carbohydrate, low protein, laxative type foods. Wheat germ, Cheerios®, squash, lettuce
and brown bread.
55-59ºF
4-5 times per week if Koi are hungry.
Add low protein (25%) pellets along with vegetables. Increase quantities gradually as
temperature increases.
59ºF
Once per day six days per week.
Low protein (25%) pellets along with high carbohydrate vegetables and fruit.
60-65ºF
Once per day every day.
Gradually increase protein in pellets (35%) and quantity of pellets. Vary diet with vegetables
and fruit.
65-72ºF
Once or twice per day.
Bulk of diet should be 35% protein pellets. Add fruits, vegetables, and plankton for variety.
72-80ºF
3 to 4 times per day.
High protein pellets (35% to 40%) with color enhancers. Add plankton, vegetables, fruits, and
shrimp.
Please feel free to contact Dr Grecos Koi and supplies should you require any guidance with
your project.
In addition to the peace and tranquility of
Pond Keeping, spending time with your Koi
can be equally rewarding. Koi are very
sociable and love a crowd of friends. They
are less apt to be shy when they are in a
large group.
Your Koi will eat from your hand, provided
you have the patience to earn their trust
and friendship. Here are a few helpful
hints:
Feed them in the same place every time.
Drop a small handful of pellets and stay
there to observe.
The bravest or hungriest will start to eat
and the rest will follow.
They must see you when they eat.
Pond Keeping, spending time with your Koi
can be equally rewarding. Koi are very
sociable and love a crowd of friends. They
are less apt to be shy when they are in a
large group.
Your Koi will eat from your hand, provided
you have the patience to earn their trust
and friendship. Here are a few helpful
hints:
Feed them in the same place every time.
Drop a small handful of pellets and stay
there to observe.
The bravest or hungriest will start to eat
and the rest will follow.
They must see you when they eat.
| Hand Feeding Koi |
| Dr. Greco's Koi and Supplies P.O. Box 788 Mount Sinai, N.Y. 11766 Located on Long Island in Suffolk County In the Township of Brookhaven |
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