skip to main content

Ponds & Aquatic Plants

A question regarding feeding fish while on vacation

15 years ago

Hi everyone,

Most everyone has a family member who will be around to feed the fish in the pond, but what do folks do when the entire family is away together. I have neighbors, of course, but they have busy schedules as we all do, so are there any feeding devices which would distribute food for a week or so? Your thoughts, please.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

groundbeef1
15 years ago
I have a neighbor girl do the feeding for me. The nice thing about having a human do it, is that if a problem develops they can notify you.

I paid her $10 to feed the fish 1X daily, and showed her how much food to use etc.

No matter how busy a 12 year old is, they will find time to earn $10/week for 5 minutes of work!
squirelette
15 years ago
You really should not need to worry about it if you have a mature planted pond, the fish should be able to survive with out feeding for quite a while. But ask the neighbors, you might be surprised at how many are willing to take time out of their busy schedule to spend a few minutes relaxing by your pond. When I asked my neighbor I had volunters from people I did not know who wanted to see what they had been hearing.
Related Discussions
question re:chicken feed
Q
Comments (4)
I should clarify that I've never had a problem selling eggs. However, I work on a very large dairy and have been aproached by activists acting as visitors asking questions that in their mind there is no correct answer to that later went on to other operations and caused tons of damge and legal defense fees. So I'm a little sensitive to non farm types asking questions about my egg production. All I'm saying is make sure that you protect yourself becuase while most of your customers will love you, there is a chance that someone hates you for enslaving and exploiting helpless hens and will do whatever they can to destroy your evil sweatshop henhouse...Happy chicken farming and have a great day!
...See More
Automatic watering while on vacation, HOW??
Q
Comments (1)
Hi Candi, There are battery operated timers that will feed a small drip system from your hose faucet. From the Timer,fit a threaded hose to poly line adapter and 1/4" poly mainline with 1/8" lines with emitters punched into it would do the trick. Would you have any problem if you developed a leak and it ran for 5 days. May be a friend or next door neighbor could check on it while your away. Check any big box, landscaping or irrigation supply store. The people there is answer all your question and help you out. Aloha.
...See More
Another question about vacation
Q
Comments (2)
I keep tanks in my office. There are times when I've got a long weekend and my fish are absolutely fine after 3-4 days of no feeding. I will state, though, that I have small live plants growing in both these tanks (it's a pretty well lit office during the day, and I don't keep the lights on while I'm gone, either - plants do fine as well) If you have someone handy to come in and feed, by all means, go ahead and do this. But in my opinion, the fish should do fine for four days without food.
...See More
OT: need to know if I am suppose to feed the pond fish?
Q
Comments (21)
Lucy you are going to give yourself a nervous breakdown. Just leave the stuff wherever it is and quit moving it around before you hurt your back. Leave the big back door shut and just open the windows and front door unless it gets in the 30's. John had started feeding the fish a few days before we left because it had been so warm but they won't eat now until the water warms back up. If you see them swimming around looking for some you can throw in a pinch but otherwise they are good. I'm sorry you are stressing out so bad. It will be ok so quit worrying. Having a good time but worn out being on my feet all day for so many days in a row. I need a rest day instead of a run all over one. The sunset was really beautiful tonight. One side of the island is stormy every night but the other side it dry so we had to drive 2 hours to get some sun, lol. Back internet connection over here so can't get on much and can't get pics to download to photobucket. I'll mess with it more when I have time. Have only been at the house to sleep mostly. Lucy you can call me if you need to. Its a 5 hour time difference.
...See More
dadux
15 years ago
Look at Cabela's.com or nativeoutdoors.com for fish feeders.
frugalgardener
15 years ago
I live with 6 dogs and 5 cats... If I leave, somebody has to stay at my house. Usually I have to give people directions not to feed the fish too much as my goldfish are experts at begging and looking hungry!

However, they do not need to be fed. There are enough bugs and plants to sustain them for a long time. I feed them because it's fun to watch them and to have them take food out of my fingers. And because I fall for the begging, too.
sam
fool4flowers
15 years ago
You are so right. When other people feed my fish they way overfeed them and I come back and have to clean the pond from all the wasted food. There are automatic feeders we use in or tropical tanks if we go out of town that dispense small amounts of food twice a day and that works great but the outdoor fish can get by for several days without extra food with the bugs and plants in the pond possibly longer but haven't ever left any longer than that in the warmer months.
horton
15 years ago
The fish will fend for themselves as pointed out by the other posters. They really do not need to be fed fish food.
They will clean up all the bugs and algae, also keep their own [over] population down if left alone.

It is wise to have someone who has been instructed on how to top up the water properly,[i.e.adding de-chlor] should it be required.
And knows something about your pump[s], filtering system, etc. At least they should know how to shut off/unplug or re-set, the pump[s] if things should go wrong.
"Horton"

Related Stories

LIFE 10 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Traveling

By Laura Gaskill

Set off on your trip with peace of mind, knowing you've taken the right steps toward keeping your home secure

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

LIFE Make Money From Your Home While You're Away

By Laura Gaskill

New services are making occasionally renting your home easier than ever. Here's what you need to know

REMODELING GUIDES How to Protect (Even Enhance!) Your Relationship While Renovating

By creative jewish mom.com

No home improvement project is worth a broken heart. Keep your togetherness during a remodel with this wise advice

VACATION HOMES My Houzz: Saltbox Charm in a Heritage Fishing Community

By Becki Peckham

This rustic home and art studio in a 16th-century waterfront town blend in while showing personal style

HOME TECH To Feed and Protect: Care for Your Pet From Afar With New Devices

You might miss the nuzzles, but your dog or cat won't miss food, water or monitoring with these high-tech feeders and cameras

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Make a Pond

By Mitchell Parker

You can make an outdoor fish paradise of your own, for less than you might think. But you'll need this expert design wisdom

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

Sponsored

Nova Design Build

Custom Premiere Design-Build Contractor | Hilliard, OH

More Discussions

Leak in my small inground prefab watergarden...?

1

pothos with yellow leaves

7

Stock tank cracked, New tank has brass drain

1

Growing impatiens in water

1