SHY KOI

[jayclarke]

Does anybody know how to ween Koi out of hiding? I've kept koi in the past and not had a problem with them b4. I bought 4 yougsters about 4" long 1month ago, I've got the pond well filtered but I've also got oxygenating plants in it. The fish never come out to feed, I havent seen them since i put them in!!! (they are still in it !!!) I had the pond stocked with orfe, goldfish and a golden channel cat, unfourtunitly a heron visited at the begining of the year and ate all of these (except the cat who just popped of 4no reason). Now I've got it netted but never see my new fish, its burning my head out they wern't exactly cheap! Any suggestions????????????

 

[Loubard]

I think there are some koi's who are shy'er than others, maybe you could buy a koi that learnes them not to be afraid. I don't know with kind that should be? Some shubinkin's or orfe would probaly help to make them less shy to.

 

[jayclarke]

when i bought them they were at the surface biting my hands. That is y i picked them! Im just wondering if it is because i have a lot of cover in the pond?! Saying that i have kept Koi in the past under the same conditions and had no problem!

 

[Loubard]

No it isn't likely to be because you have a lot of cover in your pond, it is supposed to make them feel more secure.

Maybe there just gettin' used to being in a new home, aclimatisation is't called I believe (spelling??). If they eat well then I would just wait for some time to see how they develop.

Maybe the heron (I am guessing that it is a big bird, that eats fish) is keeping to come back when you not a home, and hunt's on you koi. So they still hide from him. I that case you'll have to prevent him from gettin' near the water by some sort of net/lines above the pond.

 

[jayclarke]

A Heron is a 4ft tall bird with a long pointed beak its got a long neck and yes is a fish eater!

 

[mr.dark-saint]

When you picked out that koi what you observed is a feeding frenzy, they figured they were going to be fed and that is why they all came up in a boil. When I used to sell Koi that was one of the best selling points "ooh, look how friendly" they would say. Depending on how many other koi are in there, eventually they will learn to come up (with more koi they will feel safer and bolder).

If the water is on the cold side they will sit on the bottom as well.

As for your visitors I'd put a 1/2" black plastic coated mesh netting (with a thread core) over it and drop the water level if you can. Secure it as so it can not be easily removed (those raccoons are clever). Or a big hungry and teritorial dog.