Back yard grow out contest?

[UP ALL NIGHT!!]

There was a free for all on the 18th of may.
Hatchlings are now 5-7 days old. L.

[MikeM]

You'll have fun ahead. And, you are well-stocked for feeding them. ...I'd suggest that you not cull for Kohaku.

[UP ALL NIGHT!!]

Thanks Mike, The baby's are about twenty days old now. I love them. This is fascinating
For this study I have not culled yet for size. The sheer number of baby's were overwhelming. I really understand the mud ponds for fry. And the anxiety over who stays and who goes.
I only collected a few eggs from different places on the liner.
Husband is not happy "Are you going to spend all summer staring in a bucket."
The deed is done. From the parents to the parents. I am down to about 200.

I have only 10 truly black and they are still tiny.
Some of the Kohaku's developed black patterns on their backs.
Lots of pale gray with white noses and fins.
Lots of brown. Mutts?
I had to keep a few Kohaku for now. They are my favorite.
Who stays and who goes?
Culling is a lot easier the younger they are.

Last time I saved any baby's was twelve years ago. Pretty little Kohaku's. No Internet help back then.
Please someone, I need your expertise.
Please if I say something stupid ( JR) please think It's "Just Lori."
I am odd and eccentric. But I Love my KOI!

[UP ALL NIGHT!!]

The only good photo I could find is from Dainichi. I have searched and searched and there is nothing out there. I guess I will have to set up The 2000gal pool to house them in. The are getting big and it's too hard to cull something you can look into their eyes.
Arcane Knowledge? L.

[MikeM]

There are a couple of threads on this board where DickB gave general advice on culling. Can't recall title of the threads. First, of course, cull out all deformities. Next, I think you have to decide what you are culling for. I suggested not culling for Kohaku because in such a random spawning you are likely to have sumi lurking even in those that may seem to be free of it. Most likely you'll just have mutts, but trying to grow all in hopes of ending up with something is going to stretch your facilities to breaking point. Take time to focus on the smallest ones. Sometimes these will include the better ones, but they have difficulty competing with the stronger 'peasant stock'.

[PapaBear]

Having been down the road you are on several times I can tell you with certainty that you will love it AND hate it at the same time. You will fall in love with some small cuties only to have them turn out butt ugly at 6-8", guaranteed.
Definitely take Mikes advice and don't bother trying to keep any Kohaku. Add ogons to the "waste of time" list. If you pay close attention you will learn how to spot failures in the making and you'll be better at it the next time. This time is pure education and little potential gratification from a "nice Koi" coming out of the bunch.

[Super Kindai]

It was too early to cull but We have too many this year. So, we have culled thousands of them last weekend....

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Super Kindai It was too early to cull but We have too many this year. So, we have culled thousands of them last weekend....

What breeders are your Oyagoi from Junichi?

[UP ALL NIGHT!!]

They took my breath away!!!! Beautiful, all of those Kohaku's! You ROCK!! Kohaku is my fav. If you could see the smile on my face!!!!!! L.

[Ethan25]

love that fourth picture!


(I'll take that orange and white one on the right,....no, not that one, the other one....)