2 Questions on Koi Stress

[smithvillemike]

I want to preface this by saying I live in a cabin in the woods so I have a lot of time to think about my koi, so I had two questions last night that I can't find answers to on the internet.

1. I need to learn to bowl my koi for many reasons. Is it better to learn in the winter when they are slowed down, or will this cause stress that will be worse because of their slowed down state? What is the best season to learn?

2. I have a 10x12x6 foot above ground pond that I have decided to keep only 5-6 quality large fish. I currently have 9 of which 8 were pond fish and one is what I call my Japan cull (good but not great) I want to cull them down to 2 maybe 3 fish. As they are schooling animals will this sudden drop of their number cause much stress? Should I take only a couple at a time or just cut back to what I want to keep?

thanks in advance for any insight on koi psychology.

Mike

[mstrseed]

Quote: Originally Posted by smithvillemike I want to preface this by saying I live in a cabin in the woods so I have a lot of time to think about my koi, so I had two questions last night that I can't find answers to on the internet. 1. I need to learn to bowl my koi for many reasons. Is it better to learn in the winter when they are slowed down, or will this cause stress that will be worse because of their slowed down state? What is the best season to learn? 2. I have a 10x12x6 foot above ground pond that I have decided to keep only 5-6 quality large fish. I currently have 9 of which 8 were pond fish and one is what I call my Japan cull (good but not great) I want to cull them down to 2 maybe 3 fish. As they are schooling animals will this sudden drop of their number cause much stress? Should I take only a couple at a time or just cut back to what I want to keep? thanks in advance for any insight on koi psychology. Mike

Hey Mike,

First thing to remember about bowling Koi is attitude. Positive, positive, positive.

They are slower in winter but not that much slower. Introduce a net and they seem to perk up a bit.

Its best to have someone show you how to bowl your Koi as opposed to learning. I learned by doing, and it was a rodeo of sorts which is not good. Stressed one fish so bad it got sick. Proper tools is next. Good net, good bowl.

As far as culling if you dropped them to 3 fish I do not see a problem or even 2.

BTW I live a little over an hour from you, if you want some help send me a PM with your information and we can work something out.

Bill

[MCA]

More for those you happen on this thread...

Before beginning to bowl koi make sure you have:

bowl with the size to match the fish (too large is OK, too small is not)
a herding net (EA, Matsuda, or other brand(; definitely not a pool net
a sock net (can be one that does or does not hold water)
a floating basket or floating net (not required but nice if working by yourself)
someone ready to help (not required but nice to have)

[dick benbow]

I think when it comes to learning it's wise to be shown. Would suggest you take Bill up on his kind offer and he can go over the points MCA has mentioned.

My addition to this conversation would be that handling koi can be stressful on them and cause some physical harm. If the temperatures are warmer their metabolism helps them heal back quicker as opposed to when the temps are 60F and below. I will handle my koi at lower temps if there is a need but prefer to allow them a quiet undisturbed time during the fall-winter period. You might want to hold off till spring when the temps are 60F and above.
It is true that the lower the temperature, the slower they react and maybe easier to catch but most of the time I see issues or want to move a fish
to a show or new home is more in the spring-summer-fall time, so you'll need to know what to do then as well.

when I bench for shows I will spend time calming myself down prior because I too have learned that fish do respond ( somehow they sense) better if your not uptight,relaxed and in command.

[smithvillemike]

I just wanted to thank you guys for responding. I now need to go shopping. Your responses did bring up some other questions, primarily with the brand and quality of nets, but I went back and read the old posts so I have a better idea of what is what.

Bill: Thank you very much for your generous offer to help. I will definitely contact you when I collect all the items needed. So what's your favorite libation?

Mike

[aquitori]

To accomplish what you need to get done you need tools...Isnt that way with anything we do.

As a hobbyist, I have:

1. Koi bags(rubber bands) and koi boxes.
2. Air tank.
3. 2 sizes of koi nets.
4. 2 sizes of koi bowls.
5. 2 types of sock nets (one that holds water and one that doesnt)

These are the basic tools needed to move or transport fish from place to place.

[mstrseed]

Quote: Originally Posted by smithvillemike Bill: Thank you very much for your generous offer to help. I will definitely contact you when I collect all the items needed. So what's your favorite libation? Mike

Mike,

Just plain ole ice water is fine.

[smithvillemike]

so how thick should the transport bags be 2 mil, 5 mil?

Mike

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by smithvillemike so how thick should the transport bags be 2 mil, 5 mil? Mike

To 2-3mil bags are fine, double bag them of course.