How to Move Koi

Every so often, there is a reason to transport your Koi from one location to another.  Whether it's moving your Koi from the pond to a winter tank or moving your Koi to a new home in another state, there are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of causing both stress and damage to the Koi.

Netting the Koi

The easiest way to stress a Koi out is by chasing it around the pond for an extended period of time with a net.  Never chase a Koi with a net.  Ever.  They should be coaxed into the net.  Koi have a tough time swimming backwards.  The easiest way to cath a Koi is to keep the net in front of it at all times.  Try to anticipate your Koi's next maneuver so you can keep the net in the correct position.  The Koi will try to swim around the net.  Once you get the Koi in the net, take care as you near the surface of the pond.  The Koi in the net may attempt to jump out as a last resort to escape.

Moving the Koi

When moving a Koi a short distance, either a bag or a waterproof container that's filled with enough water to cover the Koi may be used.  There should be a cover to prevent the Koi from jumping out.  If the water perimeters in the new pond are similar in to the old one (ie temperature, pH, ), there shouldn't be any need to acclimate the Koi.

Stop feeding the Koi for a week before are moved a long distance.  It will slow their metabolism and it will prevent them from fouling the water with their waste while they are in the bag.  Koi can be moved long distances with either a car or by being shipped on an airplane.  They should be placed in bag that's filled with pure oxygen and sealed with a rubber binder.  The Koi should be kept cool while in the bag, overheating them will make them burn through their oxygen fast.  Riding in a car will keep them cool for the duration of the trip.

If you have them transported on an airplane, they should have an ice pack placed in the box that the bag sits in.  The ice pack will keep the water cool on if they get stuck on a hot tarmac.

Once the Koi reach their new home, they will need to be acclimated.  Follow these instructions on acclimation.

 

 

Back to Koi Care.