OverWintering koi in Orlando....

[luke frisbee]

Today the water temp was 64. I don't think it is going to warm back up till march. the tough time begins----from now till mid november I am going to try and restrict the feeding of the koi to just a shrimp or two each every other day.
yesterday and today the midges were hatching in vast numbers but the air temp was in the low fifties so the midges weren't warmed enough to fly. The koi must have eaten all they can stand because only the occassional nose slides across the surface.
But I swear, as hard as it is going to be I am really really going to try and make them starve for three or four weeks.
It is tougher than you think. The temperature for this period of time will be in the 50's or 60's in the afternoon. Just perfect for sitting in the Sun and tossing pellet after pellet on the surface.
I can do it. I have discipline....I hope.....
You people up North don't know the misery....tomorrow my koi will swim to me, and I will have to be a strict Father...tough love tough love

[Ian_&_Terri]

Poor you Luke.... duct tape your fingers together,... have the woman who thinks she is your wife help with the other four plus thumb.
(watch out for gators)


Hugs and kisses
Terri

[MikeM]

Well, Luke, my pond was at 64F on Friday, but the low temps this weekend have dropped it to 59F at 7am this morning. No food since Christmas, but are they ever grazing the algae!

There is humor in trying to fake a real winter in Florida compared to the Canada photos!

[TategoiKohaku]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM Well, Luke, my pond was at 64F on Friday, but the low temps this weekend have dropped it to 59F at 7am this morning. No food since Christmas, but are they ever grazing the algae! There is humor in trying to fake a real winter in Florida compared to the Canada photos!

Mike,
You are so lucky. My water temp on Friday was 48F.

[koifishgirl]

Why are you wanting to starve them Luke? for egg production or what?

[luke frisbee]

Quote: Originally Posted by koifishgirl Why are you wanting to starve them Luke? for egg production or what?

yep absorb the eggs

[dick benbow]

For those of you wanting to starve your koi in warmer cli's without the benefit of algea, remember my approach with cooked barley. Very little nutrition, yet gives them something to keep them satisfied.

I stopped my temperature dip at 55 F and will hold them there with minimum feedings till march, they are already looking a little slim. I think I need to go on a diet too! LOL!

[MikeM]

Good thought, Dick.

Henry: Another idea while yours are in holding tank w/o algae.

[HenryC]

Yes Mike, they were begging much more than usual today. In the sterile environment of the temporary holding tank, they have nothing to graze on all day. I gave them a few handfuls of Manda Fu today. I see it as similar to the barley. Not much nutritionally, but also does not produce much waste.

[aquitori]

Water temps are too warm to not feed...At that temps you can still feed wheatgrem 3 times a day if you wanted with no adverse affect....