Goldfish in a Pond

[Eamraa]

I have just moved house and the previous owner left behind around ten goldfish in the pond. I have no idea how to care for goldfish and they seemed to have disapeared since it has got colder, I heard they lay dormant this time of year, so do I feed them? Is there anything else i need to do? Help! i don't want them to die!! Emma

[paddywak]

As answered in an earlier post you probably won't see much of them now untill the spring when the weather starts to warm up. As to feeding them, if (as it sounds) you have inherited a established pond it's amazing how much natural food is in the system, the pellets etc we feed them actually only promote growth, enhance their colours and help keep them healthy. As I was told when I first set up my pond feed them little and often and that if there is any left after about 5mins you've given them to much, a bit trial and error but you soon get there. If you have got a pump and filter system I run mine for a couple of hours a day through the winter to circulate the water and keep the bacteria in the filter active, but you shouldn't have any problems till summer

[paddywak]

I forgot to mention that you might want to get a net for your pond, as any Heron in the vacinity will soon zero in on your pond when the fish start moving about

[lankeela]

You will know when they want feeding as they will come to the top when they see you. You don't feed them during the cold weather, they don't actually hibernate but they sort of shut down and don't need feeding, in fact any food you gave them
would not be digested properly and would go bad and cause them to be ill. Once the winter is over you will notice them come back to the surface and even then be very cautious how much you give them, as paddywak says, give them a little and if they don't clear it up then give less next time.

[snoopdog221]

If you dont want them .contact the RSPCA.they should know of someone that might be able to help.You will have to make sure the pond doesnt freeze in the winter,otherwise they cant get oxegen.Usually a football floating on the water .which you remove and replace each day is sufficiant