Here are some key points to pay special attention to when feeding koi during the current hot summer season:
1. Feed Selection Recommendations
Summer-specific low-protein feed: When the water temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F), it is recommended to use feed with a protein content of 30-32%, such as the "Yu Chong" series or Uni-President staple feed. This helps reduce the risk of enteritis.
Germ + staple food combination: In hot weather, it is advisable to mainly use germ feed (like the green-packaged Uni-President germ feed) and mix in a small amount of staple feed. This "vegetarian-style meal" is easier to digest.
Use color-enhancing feed with caution: High-protein color-enhancing feed (with protein content ≥38%) is more suitable for spring and autumn. Frequent feeding of such feed in summer can easily cause "internal heat" and indigestion in koi.
2. Feeding Frequency and Techniques
Timing selection: The best feeding times are 6-8 AM or 5-7 PM. Strictly avoid feeding during the midday high-temperature period.
Feeding amount: Each feeding should be controlled to an amount that the koi can finish within 1-2 minutes. When the water temperature is above 30°C, feed once or twice a day. If the filtration system is relatively weak, you can reduce feeding to every other day.
Observation points: If there is leftover feed, the water becomes turbid, or the fish lie on the bottom of the tank, you must reduce the feeding amount immediately.
3. Other Optional Foods
In addition to special feed, you can appropriately supplement with the following:
Plant-based foods: Duckweed, green vegetables, tofu, etc. (accounting for 60% of the diet)
Live animal bait: Bloodworms, water fleas, etc. (accounting for 40%). However, it is important to disinfect them properly.
Emergency substitutes: Small amounts of carbohydrates such as rice or steamed buns.
Notes
Feeding should be suspended when the water temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) or when there is a sudden heavy rain.
When the water temperature drops below 8°C (46.4°F) in winter, switch to germ feed and reduce the feeding amount.
Overfeeding is strictly prohibited. Koi have no sense of satiety, which can easily lead to enteritis.
It is recommended to choose the pellet size based on the size of the fish: use 3.0mm pellets for koi over 20cm in length, and 1.5mm pellets for those under 20cm. If you need to quickly increase the fish's body mass, it is advisable to switch to high-protein growth feed after the water temperature drops in autumn.