UK pond keepers should stop feeding goldfish when the water falls to about 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F), which usually happens from late October to November. Below that, goldfish barely digest food, so it is better to leave them alone until spring. Here is how to wind feeding down, what to feed in autumn and when to start again.
Feed by temperature, not by date
British weather varies a lot from year to year and from region to region, so a pond thermometer is more reliable than the calendar.
- Above about 15°C (59°F): normal feeding once or twice a day, only what the fish finish in a couple of minutes.
- About 8 to 15°C (46 to 59°F): switch to a wheat germ based autumn and winter food, small amounts, once a day or less.
- Below about 8°C (46°F): stop feeding.
Autumn feeding tips
- Change gradually from a high-protein summer food to wheat germ food, which is easier to digest in cool water.
- Feed smaller portions and remove uneaten food after a few minutes.
- Feed in the morning, so the fish have time to digest during the day.
- Skip feeding on very cold days even if the fish seem to beg.
Winter pond care in the UK
- Net out falling leaves, especially if you have overhanging trees.
- Keep a small area of the surface free of ice using a floating pond heater or de-icer so gases can escape.
- Do not smash ice, since the shock can hurt the fish.
- Make sure at least part of the pond is deep enough not to freeze solid. 60 cm (2 feet) or more is a common aim.
- Leave the fish alone. They slow down and rest on the bottom.
Starting again in spring
Begin feeding again when the water stays above about 8 to 10°C for several days. Start with small amounts of wheat germ food, then move to a regular staple food as the pond warms past about 15°C. Feeding heavily too early can overload sluggish digestion.
Signs of overfeeding
- Food left on the surface or sinking uneaten
- Cloudy or green water, or a bad smell
- High ammonia or nitrite readings on a test kit
Frequently asked questions
What month should I stop feeding my pond fish in the UK?
It depends on temperature, but many ponds reach the cutoff in late October or November, and fish are usually fed again in March or April.
Will my goldfish starve over winter?
No. Healthy goldfish live off body reserves and pond life while their metabolism is slow.
Can I feed on a mild winter day?
Only if the pond water itself is above the cutoff temperature. Air temperature is not a reliable guide.
Bottom Line
Switch to wheat germ food as the pond cools, stop at about 8 to 10°C, keep the water clean and restart gently in spring. If fish look unwell, speak to a fish vet or specialist aquatic shop.
Related reading: When to Stop Feeding Goldfish in Outdoor Ponds and Tetra Fin Goldfish Flakes Review.
