"Bill Grey" wrote
"Sacha" wrote in message
"Bob Hobden" said:

"Doug" wrote

I am new to this but is it normal? Up until now they were virtually
eating
out of my hand but now rush for cover when they see me, even at feeding
time. I have reduced their feed to see if their behaviour is caused by
a
lack of hunger but still no result. Is it the time of year perhaps or
has
some predator frightened them?


Certainly something has/is frightening them. I trust they have somewhere
to hide at the bottom of the pond like a decent sized clay flowerpot on
it's side?
You should be reducing feed this time of year as the water temperature
reduces anyway, and stop altogether once the temperature gets below
50°F.

We've certainly noticed with ours that the feeding frenzy has reduced
considerably. They're still coming to the edge of the pond, waiting to
be fed but the actual taking of the food isn't as manic as in warmer
months. Just as well, they eat us out of house and home!

I was told some time ago that goldfish should not be fed during the winter
because whilst they eat, they don't digest, and that is not good for them.

It's the food we feed them that is the problem, being cold blooded if they
eat it they are unable to digest it quick enough and it ferments in their
guts and causes serious problems which usually only manifest in the spring.
There will be enough "wild" food in the pond to keep them going through the
winter even if it's mild and they are moving about. Water temperature of
50°F is the important point, don't feed below that at all.
--
Regards Bob Hobden
Posting to this Newsgroup from the W. of London UK