Pet parenting is not just about bringing home cats, dogs, and parrots. You can think outside the box and consider raising koi as pets. That sounds incredible, but these colorful, graceful fish make great companions. They can bring joy to your life, as just looking at them has a calming effect.
But before you take the plunge, you should know the ins and outs of keeping your koi swimming happily. Looking after them is very different from grooming a canine or feline pet. Knowing your facts can help you avoid the beginner’s mistakes of koi parenting.
Let us share a few actionable tips from experts who have been there and done it.
Be mentally ready
Bringing home a pet is a responsibility because you must look after its needs and ensure a safe place. You must be mentally ready to raise a pet as it is a long-term commitment with time, effort, and money. In fact, an unconventional one like koi requires extra care.
You may need to dig deep and find facts regarding its needs. Ask yourself if you are mentally prepared to invest in koi care before diving in.
Buy from a trusted source
What’s the best way to raise a healthy and happy pet? Bringing home a healthy one is the first step. According to experts at Kloubec Koi, you must look for traits like good symmetry with a long broad head and a thin body to recognize a healthy fish.
Buying from a trusted source is the best way to ensure it, even when you know nothing about checking these factors.
Invest in a spacious pond
All pets need a safe habitat to thrive, and koi fish is no exception. Bigger is always better for the fish because it loves to swim and stretch its fins. Not getting enough room to roam can affect its health. So make sure you have enough space to accommodate your companion.
A koi fish needs at least 250 gallons of water, and it should have optimal pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Keeping the water clean and well-filtered is also crucial.
Watch out for fish snatchers
Giving your koi a safe space is also about watching out for pond pests. Herons, raccoons, and other fish snatchers are the worst threats, so make sure they aren’t around.
Consider installing netting around the pond to keep ensure the safety of your precious pets. You can also use scare devices to ward them away when you cannot be around.
Follow the feeding rules
Koi fish are big eaters, but skip the temptation to overfeed them because you may end up doing more harm than good. Give them a balanced diet of high-quality koi pellets to ensure good health, color, and shine.
Occasional treats like freeze-dried shrimp make a good way to show your love. Reduce the diet in winter because their metabolism slows down in low temperatures.
Raising koi may seem like a lot of effort, but their mesmerizing beauty and grace make it worthwhile. You can grab a beach chair and relax while watching your koi swim gracefully through the pond.
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