Koi Question

[AnthonyRibis]

I have had my Koi since August they are only 4 or so inches long. Every time I go near the pond they are either hiding or hide when I get close. When do they become friendly?

 

[Priscilla]

Feed them in the same spot every day (or however often you feed them). Whenever you feed them stand/sit back and watch them. They will get used to you.

I just got my koi in January, February and March (my pond is 4 months old). They vary in size, but most are now about 6 - 8 inches. I fed them pretty much every day and just sat there watching them, no sudden movements. After a few days they would see me walk up and swim up to the place I would feed them. Then I started putting my hand in the water with the food, letting a few pellets escape so they knew food was there. After about three days of that, they are all over me. The new koi and goldfish just follow the older ones. They come to my hands within a day or two of being in the pond. I have a bunch of platys and they also come to my hand, along with a tilapia in there as well.

 

[RobAmy]

Same here Priscilla, they now follow me around the ponds like dogs hoping for food. They come right up to my hand now. Give it a little time they will get very friendly

 

[AnthonyRibis]

I figured they would with food, but doesn't more food create water problems?

 

[sissy]

watermelon just hold onto it .it takes time to learn that you are not a bad person .I started holding one stick in my fingers

 

[RobAmy]

I figured they would with food, but doesn't more food create water problems?

I never fed them extra, right now I only feed once a day and put my hand int the water when I do. Just be consistent and they will come to you. Over feeding can lead to water problems, watermelon sounds fun, never tried it

 

[sissy]

I just cut a thin slice and they attack it when I hold it in the pond .I also pick fresh blueberries for them and they go nuts .I hold the blueberry between my fingers and they fight to get it loose

 

[Tula]

I've also heard they love peas! I'm feeding a spring wheat germ food right now. I can' get over how much more confident mine are without all the other fish I rehomed last fall. One was always friendly, but the other 4 were kind of shy...no more

 

[Priscilla]

I guess I should have said, I live in the Caribbean, no winter here.

 

[Mmathis]

They could also be hiding if there have been predators visiting the pond. Give them time [but be sure they DO have plenty of places to hide].

 

[Lisak1]

I have had my Koi since August they are only 4 or so inches long. Every time I go near the pond they are either hiding or hide when I get close. When do they become friendly?

Every spring our fish have to get used to us again. They spend the first few weeks eyeing us from the safety of the deep water. If they are close to the top when we wander out there they will quickly retreat once they spot us. Slowly they are getting more relaxed and confident. We haven't started feeding them yet - told them they need to clean up all the winter algae first! Actually our water temp is just above 50 degrees, and with more 30 degree days and below freezing nights predicted for the upcoming week, it's going to be a while.

 

[sissy]

I guess mine have no fear because all year round mine follow me when i am down by the pond .Soon as they see me winter or summer they beg for food and come to the top .