Preparing Your Pond Fish for Winter After Autumn Care

As the vibrant colours of autumn fade and temperatures drop, it’s essential to transition your pond care routine in preparation for winter. Most importantly, adjusting your fish feeding schedule is crucial for their health during the colder months.

Gradually Adjust Feeding

As water temperatures drop below 10°C, your pond fish, such as koi and goldfish, will naturally slow down their metabolism. This is the time to switch to a wheatgerm-based diet, such as Walters All-Round Nutri Mix, which is easier for fish to digest. Wheatgerm provides the necessary nutrition while reducing waste, keeping the pond water clean as your fish’s digestion slows down. Feed smaller quantities, ensuring your fish consume all the food in under 5 minutes, and always remove any leftovers to avoid water quality issues.

When temperatures fall below 5°C, it’s important to stop feeding your fish entirely. At this point, fish enter a state of dormancy and no longer need food until spring.

Why Wheatgerm is Key

Wheatgerm-based foods, like Walters All-Round Nutri Mix, offer a balanced combination of nutrients that support fish health while being gentle on their digestive systems. This ensures your fish stay healthy as they prepare for the dormant winter months. These pellets help your fish build energy reserves, support their immune system, and avoid the complications of overfeeding in colder temperatures.

Final Autumn Pond Clean

Before winter, performing a deep clean of your pond is essential. Clear any decaying leaves, debris, or uneaten food that can cause water quality issues during winter. Ensuring the pond is clean reduces the chance of harmful bacteria growth, which can be detrimental to fish in colder conditions.

Winter Preparation for Your Pond

While your fish enter dormancy, keep your pond prepared by installing an aerator or pond heater to prevent ice from completely covering the water's surface. This ensures proper oxygen exchange, keeping your fish safe and the ecosystem healthy. Regularly check the water temperature to gauge when feeding should stop or resume.

Preparing your pond fish for winter begins with adjusting their diet and maintaining a clean, balanced environment. By switching to a wheatgerm-based food, gradually reducing feeding, and ensuring the pond is ready for winter, you’ll help your fish stay healthy through the colder months. As always, ensure you're using high-quality, easily digestible feed to minimize waste and keep your pond water clear.

For more information on feeding and pond care, explore our range of fish foods at Walter Products.