Putting Feeder Goldfish in Outdoor Pond

by Paul
(Owego,N.Y.,U.S.A)

Put some feeder fish in my outdoor pond about four days ago and haven't seen any of them.

The pond is covered with netting but the temperature was and is on the chilly side. Haven't seen any dead ones floating.

Could they be at the deep side of the pond and not really swimming and exploring?

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Grant's Reply


Hi Paul

Assuming you tested the water to make sure it was the same pH as their water, and you equalized the water temperatures before releasing them, I wouldn't worry too much yet.

Having netting over the pond eliminates predator problems and would also mean anything dead floating to the surface would be seen.

If the water was 10C or below, they won't be very active or interested in food. It's still pretty cold in Owego at this time of year (May).

If they were healthy before you transferred them, I suspect they are still exploring their new home.

If the pond was established without anything else in it, they will be cleaning up any water life so I wouldn't start feeding them yet.