As the winter weather brings colder nights and shorter days, it's normal for pond fish to slow down. Feeding should also adjust with the change of season, but many owners may not know when or how to slow down. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry, as Closer Pets is here to help.
In this blog, we'll share the know-how you need to adjust your pond fish feeding for winter. We'll also cover essential tips for picking things up again when spring arrives.
Do Pond Fish Need Feeding in Winter?
Let's start with the most important question: can you feed pond fish in winter? It's important to continue feeding your fish when the weather gets colder, but we recommend reducing the amount and frequency considerably while the water is mild. When it gets really cold, stop feeding entirely.
Fish are cold-blooded animals, and while we often associate this trait with relying on external heat sources to maintain body temperature, it also affects eating habits. As their pond cools, fish’s metabolism and digestion slow, and in peak winter, they don't need to be fed at all.
While it may seem unusual to new fish owners to stop feeding your beloved pets, rest assured that they aren't going hungry. During winter, pond fish enter a dormant, low-activity state and rely on their stored energy for sustenance. In fact, continuing to feed can lead to uneaten and undigested food decaying and polluting their water, which is best avoided!
Does this no-feeding rule apply to all pond fish?
This principle applies to goldfish, koi, and other common pond fish. If you are unsure whether your fish species falls into these groups, speak with your vet and double-check.
When to Stop Feeding Pond Fish in the UK
Knowing when to adjust your pond feeding is really important. Some winters can be cooler or warmer than others, so how do we know exactly when to reduce and stop feeding?
What month do you stop feeding pond fish?
As a general rule, we recommend reducing feeding at the start of autumn, around late September or early October for most of the UK. As for stopping feeding, this is typically from late October into November. Regional variation can affect this timeframe, with southern and coastal areas remaining milder for longer and northern, Scottish, and inland areas getting colder sooner.
While it's useful to have a rough idea of what month you ought to slow and stop feeding, the most important factor is temperature. Pond climate depends on many factors, including depth, sun exposure, shelter, and extreme weather, so you must always take water temperature into account.
Water temperature guide
Using a pond thermometer, we recommend checking your pond water around late October (or when you feel the weather has turned colder) at the same time each morning. Here is our reference guide to help you know when to slow and stop feeding in winter.
|
Temperature (Approx.) |
Feeding |
|
10°C and above |
Feed as normal |
|
Below 10°C |
Feed sparingly and preferably switch to an easily digestible alternative food |
|
4-5°C and below |
Stop feeding completely |
How to Feed Pond Fish Through Autumn and Winter
As a loving owner, you'll be keen to adapt your feeding patterns to ensure your pond stays healthy and happy all winter long. To help you get things right, here are a few of our top tips for feeding pond fish in winter.
1. Check the water temperature
As we've already covered, take daily readings to establish when you should slow and stop feeding. We recommend recording a trend of temperatures (across several days in a row) rather than a single reading before changing your feeding routine.
2. Switch to wheatgerm-based food
Wheatgerm-based food is lower in protein and easier for slow-moving fish to digest, making it the ideal winter food. We recommend gradually introducing this feed over a week or so.
3. Feed once per day
When reducing feeding, give your pond small amounts of food once a day. Try to reduce the amount to what a fish can eat in a couple of minutes, leaving nothing uneaten.
5. Resist feeding on mild days
If a warm spell brings temperatures up during winter, that doesn't mean that your fish will be ready to digest food. Resist the urge to feed again and wait for more consistently warm weather.
6. Switch off automatic feeders
Automatic fish feeders are excellent for keeping your pond topped up with food, but remember you'll need to adjust or turn them off during winter.
When to Start Feeding Pond Fish Again in Spring
Once winter has passed, your pond fish will want their regular feeding routine to resume. Reintroducing food takes the same patience as slowing feeding in winter, so here are a few key things to keep in mind.
Firstly, pay close attention to your pond's water temperature. It should be above 10°C consistently before restarting feeding. Start with small amounts and return to your regular feeding routines as water warms to about 15°C.
Secondly, keep an eye on your fish. As temperatures rise again, they'll gradually become more active and show more interest at the surface. This is a good sign that they're ready for food again.
Other Winter Pond Care Essentials
Feeding is one of the most important aspects of winter pond care, but there are other things to consider. To keep your pond in top shape, we recommend:
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Keeping a small area of surface free from ice so harmful gases can escape. You can do this with a floating ball, a pond heater, or by gently pouring in warm water. Never smash ice, as the shockwaves can harm fish.
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Clear fallen leaves and debris before they rot, or netting the pond in autumn if needed.
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Keeping pumps and filters running if suitable. Consider turning down or relocating pumps and removing waterfalls to avoid chilling the whole pond.
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Checking the pond regularly for ice and blockages while avoiding disturbing fish.
Winter Pond Feeding FAQs
Will my fish starve if I stop feeding them?
Since they are cold-blooded, fish do not require food to maintain their body heat, meaning they can last a few days without eating. During winter, their activity and metabolism slow right down, meaning they do not require feeding during the coldest months.
Should I feed fish if the pond freezes over?
No, avoid feeding when your pond has frozen over in order to prevent uneaten food from rotting and spoiling and making the pond unhealthy. Breaking the ice to get food into the water can also disturb or harm your fish.
Help Your Pond Thrive With Fish Products at Closer Pets
It's so rewarding to see your fish pond thriving all year round, so be sure to support your fish with the very best fish products. We want to help you keep your fish happy and healthy no matter the time of year, and that's why we provide a wide range of high-quality Fish Mate supplies to maintain your pond's balanced ecosystem.
Ensure your pond is supplied with the right amount of food with our collection of fish feeders, and keep your water crystal clear for your little swimmers with our pond filters.
If you have any questions about our products and how they can help, you can easily get in touch with a member of our team who will be more than happy to answer.