hand feeding fish

Question

Spottie   QUESTION: Hi! I'm really interested in hand feeding my two calico fantails. I've had Spottie, my first goldfish from september 19, 2007 till now and I got the younger one, Cookie about a year ago. They are both pretty tiny; especially Cookie. I'm just wondering if I can go ahead and try to hand feed them and also if there's anything I should keep in mind before I begin.

Thanks in advance!! :)

ANSWER: Hi Sujana,

I have calico orandas and I have never done this.  You can certainly try it, I would use some fresh, thawed, shelled pea bits.  This will be easier for them to get.  Don't be surprised if they won't do it, they might be too little and too frightened to know what's going on.

Also, make sure you hand and arm are extremely clean.  No soap, no lotion, no nothing.  However, all of this considered, I really don't recommend doing this because you can never be sure your hands are clean enough, sticking your hands in a tank can cause pH changes, but it's completely up to you.  

Good luck: ) April M.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again! I actually tried feeding them thawed skinless peas a day before because Spottie kept swimming backwards on his belly but both the fish spit it out so I just fed them flakes instead because they haven't eaten anything and they ate that like always. (I didn't hand feed them)

Spottie tried it a little and spit most of it out while the other fish completely spit it out and didn't go near it. Should I try lettuce instead? I tried lettuce long time ago and I remember them eating it.

Thanks for your previous help also! :)

Answer
Hi Sujana,

Sometimes you have a try a few times with the peas.  It really is good for them and will help clear them out if they are constipated or showing signs of swimbladder.  You can also try fresh leafed spinach bits.  You can also try and hold off on all foods for 3 days before you try the pea or spinach.  This won't hurt them at all and can help them purge their systems and they may be more willing to accept the veges.

All fish do better on a varied diet.  They shouldn't ever eat just all pellets or all flakes or all veges.  It should be a mix of all and also includes meaty items like brine shrimp too.  Also, make sure that you pre-soak and floating food or use sinking foods.  Thsi will help them take in less air at feeding times.

Good luck : ) April M.