goldfish and cold weather.

Question
It is about 7 inches deep and 24 inches in diameter. There is a little waterfall that recycles the water. I read that I shouldn't feed them in the winter, is that correct?
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-----Question-----
We have 4 goldfish in a small pond outdoors. We live in Georgia and it is getting cold (tonight it is supposed to get to 31 degrees). Will our goldfish survive the cold weather and water--what should we do with them?

Thanks.
-----Answer-----
How big is your pond?  How deep is it?  What is the lowest temperature that you get there?  I can't believe it's going below freezing there tonight; it hasn't gone below freezing yet here in Maryland.  Goldfish can survive as long as the pond is deep enough, and the surface does not freeze solid.  At 31 degrees F, the surface will not freeze over unless there are high winds.  You can read my tips on overwintering ponds at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/winter.htm

Good luck!
Robyn

Answer
Wow, that is a super shallow pond.  I'm surprised predators haven't gotten the fish.  Considering goldfish grow to 14", a pond only 7" deep won't work long term for goldfish.  It could hold some babies I guess.  I hope you can build a larger pond next year.  Considering the small size of your pond, and the fact that you do sometimes get temperatures below freezing, I would probably bring the goldfish inside.  There are only four of them so it shouldn't be too difficult.  If inside, you can keep them at room temperature and continue to feed them.  If you leave them out in the pond, you should stop feeding once the temperature of the water goes below about 50-55 degrees F.  I hope things work out!