A Gardeners Forum Forums Members History Forum Life 2005 feeding fish in winter

how often do you? i have about 6 feeder gold fish (give or take) and i don't know how often to feed them now that it is getting cooler. i tried feeding them day before yesterday and they wouldn't eat. going to go try it today, but does anyone have any real idea or answer?

Jiffy...I have been agonizing over this same question.
According to everyone I've talked to you are supposed to stop feding them in winter...but last winter I fed mine everyday, even when I had to break the ice on top of the pond to feed them...and they always ate!
(My fish aren't normal...they've hung around me too long.)

Here's a site that tells you what everyone has told me...
Pond Winterizing Info

...I just hate NOT feeding anything.
Seems to me like they would starve to death.

Cindy Sue

well, today they ate! and ate, and ate, and ate... i'm not sure they got enough, but after 5 minutes,the mosquitoes ran me in the house!

I am so glad you asked that question. I was wondering about that, too.

Dianna

Yep...once things cool down, it's better not to feed them at all until spring thaw. I know it sounds horrible...but I suppose it is sorta like bears. Their digestive system and bodily functions all slow down in the cold water...and feeding them can actually cause all sorts of problems. Not only do they end up constipated, but food decomposes in their system and can cause infections...and if they aren't eating, that food just contaminated the water column as it breaks down.

My guys don't get anything once the water hits about 55*...until the spring when they become more active again.