Top Tips on Feeding your pond fish through the winter.
Updated: Feb 14
The weather has changed and October has definitely seen the arrival of Autumn. There are various things that you need to be doing in your garden to prepare for the Winter.
Do I feed my pond fish right through the Winter? What month should stop feeding?
Generally no. It will depend a bit however on the weather. The weather in the UK however is changeable, but your fish will most likely stop feeding from about end of October till around end of February.
What should I feed my pond fish in the winter?
As the water temperature drops you need to change your food to one that is better suited to the cooler water. Fish struggle to digest foods at lower water temperatures, so it is important to find one that has the right composition to be easily digested at the lower temperatures. Generally regular Summer foods can be fed down to water temperatures of around 17C. Spring and Autumn type foods can be used down to around 12C but winter specific foods can be fed longer down to temperatures of 8C. This helps the fish to obtain the right nutrients and body weight to help then stay fit and healthy through the cold winter months when they stop feeding completely.
When should I start feeding my fish again after the Winter?
The key here is to keep an eye on the water temperature, and the behaviour of your fish. Again you should start to feed using a temperature suitable food. Starting with a Winter food at the coldest temperature and gradually changing to a Spring food as the water temperature improves. If you are choosing good quality foods like JBL or Hikari you will find feeding temperatures on the packets. For further help and advice just pop us an email.
We sell various foods, from various manufacturers. Just be aware to check that you are getting the best food for your money. Always check the nutritional value, and the temperature that it is safe to use. It is also a good idea to have a pond thermometer, so that you can keep an eye on the water temperature in your pond. Pond Food is currently only available in store.