I don't think they really sleep all winter but who knows. I do know that their metabolism slows way down and that they just kind of sit there on the bottom where it's warmest. The disc that you see attached to the pole is a heater. Its function is to keep at least a hole open in the ice where gasses can escape. I kind of cross my fingers that in a few months when winter's hold starts to loosen, I'll see the koi begin to stir and explore. After that it won't be long until it gets warm and they're all friendly and fun again.
From here, though, the winter seems interminable. I can hardly bear to think ahead about the next three months in the koi pond. It's just too dreary. Maybe I'll start a countdown of days until Spring starts to appear; but I'd have to start with about 120 and that's too long.
It's a good thing we have the holidays to get us through these first few, dark days of winter or I don't think we'd ever smile. At least in a week or so the days will start getting longer and that will help some.
Yes, I'll think about that for now.
It's so true that our winters are wayyyy too long, and I think it would be so stressful waiting for spring to make sure everything is ok. But it is always amazing when it starts to warm up and your beautiful koi start swimming around again!
ReplyDeleteWe have only had a thin layer of ice so far, so we haven't put our heater in yet. It is really sad not being able to see them under the thick stuff.
ReplyDeleteHope they all make it and enjoy their downtime!