Can I feed just once a day?

[steph]

Hi all

Thanks for all the replies to my posts...now I need feeding advice. If I have 5 goldfish, can I feed them just once a day? For how long...some say all they can eat in 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, I don't know!

They will be about 2-3 inches long, sarassas/shubunkins....Would like to feed just once a day if possible due to shiftwork, but could do twice if needed. Are they sensitive to time of day?

Any advice re pellets/vs flakes? I think pellets sounds less messy but? Fish will go in Monday...need to buy food when I pick them up.

Thanks again folks.

 

[kirscp]

Once a day is fine. There are ponders that don't even feed their fish. There is enough algae for them to eat. Of course feedings also depend on water temp.

I've always gone with pellets. They don't sink, keeping your pond cleaner.

 

[digginponds]

feed as much food as the fish can consume within 5 minutes

 

[mouseams]

I did pellets, but once the offspring arrived I did some flakes for them. They can survive without feeding, so don't overfeed. I only feed mine once a day, Ok, maybe twice a day when I am home. If they can get the pellets into their mouths use the pellets. If you use flakes be careful not to put in too much.

 

[PS3]

Go with the 5 minute rule and some people feed them every other day also

 

[steph]

Fish came yesterday! ...seem to be doing fine, but not very hungry. They tried to eat the pellets (the smallest size) but they were a bit too big, so I crushed them a little. The crushed pellets floated to the bottom, as soon as one checked it out, they all did, and ate some from the bottom.

They don't seem to want to come to the surface to eat...I don't know if this is good or not, but I am thinking with the Racoons, cats etc, maybe feeding from bottom has its advantages?

Switch to flakes or crush the pellets? Anyway they seem to be happy, although shy.

Steph

 

[mouseams]

The first souple of days they will not be themselves. Before you know it they'll be eating from your hands. Literally! Good luck.

 

[digginponds]

yea once they get use to the new water....they will be eating right out your hand....FYI Always feed your fish in the same location/spot.It helps to train them. We are all creatures of habit.

 

[steph]

Thanks for the advice..

They have "come around" now and are not hiding anymore...I am feeding them once a day and I am sure they are getting bigger! They are also coming to the top to look for food, and I can move things around without them freaking out!

Had some "pea soup" - put in a bigger filter and better fountainhead, shaded part of the pond (plants are still young) and this is helping...we are having a warm spell here, in the low twenties (Celsius, I'm in BC) for the week, it's just starting to cool back down to the teens.

I think the plants liked the "pea soup" they are shooting off babies!

Steph