When temperatures drop and your koi pond switches to winter mode, your koi’s metabolism slows down, and improper feeding can quickly put them under stress. 🤍🐟
We will show you which food is ideal at what temperatures, how much you should feed, and which mistakes you absolutely must avoid. ❄️🍽️
In this article, you will learn:
• When to use which winter food 🌡️
• How to avoid overfeeding and digestive problems ⚠️
• Which products from our shop are ideal for the cold season 🛒
• How to tell if your koi are getting through the winter healthy ❄️
🌡️ Water temperature determines the right feeding
Temperature is the most important factor in winter, which is why you should definitely use a thermometer – even a 1–2 °C difference determines whether your koi need food or not. 🐟 At 10–15 °C, the metabolism is still active but significantly reduced, which is why easily digestible winter food like BHK Daily Winter or BHK Champion Off Season is suitable. 🌾
This food optimally provides the fish with nutrients and should be fed once a day in small portions that are eaten within 2–3 minutes.
If the temperature drops to 8–10 °C, only sparse portions should be given, preferably on mild days, and the koi should be observed closely. 👀 Below 8 °C, summer food is off-limits; digestion now works very slowly, and only wheat germ food should be given very sparingly. ❄️
If the water falls to 5–6 °C, the koi switch to winter dormancy: movement and energy requirements are minimal, and any feeding can cause digestive problems.
From this temperature on, the winter break begins, and feeding is completely stopped until water temperatures rise again in the spring. 🌡️🐟
🐟 Typical behavior in the cold – completely normal
· Koi move more slowly. ❄️
· They form calm groups. 🐠
· Fish stay deep at the bottom of the pond. 🌊
· Little interest in food. 🍽️
· No signs of illness? Then everything is fine. ✅
⚠️ Common mistakes in winter feeding
· Using summer food in cold water ❌
· Giving portions that are too large ❌
· Feeding irregularly ❌
· Feeding during brief warm spells ❌
· Leaving food residue in the pond ❌
· Food residues burden the water and promote putrefactive gases – dangerous in winter! ⚠️
Pro tips for safe feeding in winter 💡
Measure the water temperature regularly to know exactly when your koi need food. Store the winter food in a dry, tightly sealed place, and if they show poor feeding behavior, it is better to feed them nothing at all. ❌
In the spring, you should slowly reintroduce summer food so that their digestion and metabolism can adjust gently. 🌱
Conclusion: Winter feeding done right – healthy koi until spring 🤍
With temperature-dependent feeding and the right winter food, metabolism and digestion stay in balance, water quality remains stable, and your koi start the spring healthy and strong. Well-fed – but never overfed – is the key to stable winter koi. 🐟❄️
