Hand Feeding Your Koi Fish

Koi fish are beautiful to behold, they are brightlyrest will follow suit.
colored and swim through the water with such graceThe fish must be able to see you while they are
and confidence. They are also quite entertaining.eating. So don't walk away from the pond before
Unlike that little goldfish in your aquarium, Koi arethey start to eat the pellets.
very social animals. They love to be in large groupsGradually put your hand nearer to the Koi fish as you
and will really put on a show at your next party.feed them over a period of days until they get used
One of the best things about Koi is their ability to eatto hand feeding.
out of your hand. In fact, that is one of the firstIf at first it doesn't work try, try again.
things that draw many Koi owners into the hobby inEventually over the course of a week or so, the Koi
the first place. They see another pond owner handfish will begin to equate you with mealtime. You can
feeding their fish, and think that it is a really neatbegin to test them by sprinkling a bit of food and
thing. With a little bit of practice, you can have adrawing them closer to you. Next, you can place
great time interacting with your Koi fish and haveyour hands in the water while they are eating the
them hand feeding in no time.pellets. If they don't startle, then you are doing good.
Here are some tips to teaching your Koi how to eatSome may even come closer to your hands, as they
out of your hand:have figured out that you are associated with the
Feed them in the same place every time –food.
choose an area away from the waterfall. If you mixYou may even notice that the bold Koi will try to
up the location, you are likely to delay theirnudge your hand trying to get your attention. With a
understanding of the hand feeding process.little bit of luck, and some patience, in a few weeks
Drop a small handful of pellets and stay there toall your Koi will start jumping and splashing when they
observe their reaction. Continue to do this until theysee you headed towards the pond.
begin to start or show disinterest.Once you have the skill mastered, don't hesitate to
The bravest or hungriest will start to eat and theshow your new skill off to all your friends! Enjoy!