Feeding Koi During a Florida Winter

As soon as the weather forecast mentions cold weather in Florida the phone starts to ring with people asking "When do I stop feeding my Koi?" or It's winter in Florida do the koi still eat?
Well, first can we really say we have winter in Florida? Yes the weather cools off and yes we need to follow a couple simple steps to ensure the health and safety of our beloved koi.






First, it is recommended to purchase a pond thermometer. Begin to monitor the temperature and when the water reaches upper 50° begin to reduce the feedings. When the water temperature has reached
50° stop feeding. Keeping in mind that the air temperature is much cooler than the water temperature so in Florida we really only have a hand full of days and nights that we do not feed the koi.

Lets explain why we reduce and stop feeding koi in cooler weather.

Koi start slowing down in preparation for a period of semi-dormancy as the temperature begin to decline. Their digestive and immune systems slow down, and they are not capable of digesting food the way that they can during the warmer months. Koi are particularly susceptible to problems at this time, as they have no stomach to aid in digestion; food passes directly into their small intestines, where it will sit and rot. The ensuing intestinal bacteria can pass into their bloodstream, causing sepsis which will debilitate or even kill the immune-suppressed fish.

When you resume feeding the koi DO NOT over feed them as this too can be dangerous for your finned friends.
If you are unsure whether to feed your koi or how much to feed them please err on the side of caution.  Always feed a high quality high protein food avoid foods with lots of fillers. We only feed our koi Blackwater Creek Koi food.
Don't worry, if the koi become hungry during this time they will dine on the algae in the pond.


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