pond fish

Question
newly cleaned/ sealed 9,000L cement pond in April. 14 happy fish ( Goldfish, shibunkin and 3 Orfe ) eating well/ active. since a week now they're not as eager to eat and spend time be calmly all together. Are  they preparing to hibernate for the winter? Ph8.5 pump+ waterfall.

Answer
Nanette,

Yes they could be slowing down due to colder weather. You will notice a possible increase in wanting food, they will be slower possibly sitting at the bottom of the pond. If the temp change is gradual, the fish tend to weather better. The colder you pond get, the less active your fish will be. It is normal and nothing to worry about. If however, they start acting different ie: rapid breathing, swimming sideway or upside down, or lose balance then there is something wrong with the fish and their water, at which you should let me know.