back in the mud again

[dick benbow]

Just made arraingements with Nisei Koi farm to get my kohaku back in the grow ponds with them this spring. That way I have an excuse to come back in the fall to see her come out.
For those of you who have never had a koi in the mud before it's quite the experience. I used to laugh at my friend Bill who had pictures of his koi on his computer that were in the mud in Japan. he'd gaze at them daily and wonder how they were doing. I gave him a lot of good natured ribbing till I had my first in the mud over there!
You think about them, wonder if they're ok, growing, developing....? and anticipate word of them at the harvest. I couldn't get over there each year for the harvest in japan but would always get an updated picture and measurement.
having the koi in the states makes it a little bit easier, to get to; an gives me a great excusae to make a trip. Many of the folks who have koi in the mud there have met from previous harvests and it's always a fun time to share the joy. The folks at nisei koi farm are most friendly, and Mat always has something special going that makes it worth going back year after year.
If you've never experienced such a thing, I encourage you to give it a thought. Tara or Jen can fill you in on what's involved.

[Brutuscz]

My local dealer has a mud pond on the premises (no free advertising.) I always think of asking to leave a few there....but the birds are a big problem. I always see herons, hawks, etc. I am way to scared to do it. Afraid I'll lose one of my favorites. Maybe one day. Probably safer with a bigger one...correct?

[dick benbow]

great comment....most of the folks I kept fish with in Japan said they would do "due diligence" to keep preditors away but that you ran the risk of loosing your koi, it was part of the experience. That said more times than not, even tho it was agreed that each owner bore the risk, the japanese would replace as best they could any loss. A coupla times I was aware of situiations with others where this was not the case.

Mat BTW has an insurance program that if anything happens you have bought the replacement cost of your koi to eliminate any worries.......

I do agree that the smaller ones are vulerable to a lot more opportunities to have harm befall them....but when it comes to otters, the smaller they are the better the chances of being overlooked as they go for the bigger meals.

My kohaku is in the 2 foot long range and is in the pond closest to the office which gives me some ( albeit false) sense of security!

[HEADACHE6]

Dick , Would you have any "Before/After" photo's of your Kohaku ?

I was up there in Dec.06' and bought/left a Kohaku myself . She's not even in the Mud Pond yet , and I think about her . Matt said she was going in Joes' Office pond until Spring .

[keokoi]

I have also made arrangements for keeping some of my gals in Japan this year. But during the year I try not to think about them. The risk his high but the reward even higher. Hi stakes koi keeping LOL

I guess its kinda like sending your kids off to university. Your happy they are gone but you can't help to think about them...

Joe

[dick benbow]

"6"....year before, I had a sanke and a kohaku in joe's pond and it really gave them a head start for the mudpond...so congrats on being able to have your
koi in that position. When it comes to computers I'm technology challenged.
I'll email birdman a copy of her and ask him to post a pic for you. I named her after Ross's "sweetie"....

Joe: liked your analogy....reminds me of a famous japanese expression....loosely translated here, if you love your children you will send them on a jouney....

[Birdman]

Dick's Kohaku

[MikeM]

Is that after completing quarantine? She has done well over winter, Dick. I wish folks could see how deep her Beni is. So many coats of paint.

[HEADACHE6]

Dick , Would this be The Female Breeder of you Kohaku ?

[jnorth]

I didn't know that was your kohaku Dick. Here are a few shots I got of it.