Adopting Koi

For most koi enthusiasts, the idea of putting one of their koi up for adoption seems unimaginable. But real life happens. There are numerous reasons that owners will opt for going the adoption route. Here are a few of the more common reasons that koi are put up for adoption.

Inherited

In some instances, it can be as simple as the previous owners of the koi passing away and the next of kin don’t share the same passion for koi keeping. Or the new owner of a koi keeper’s home are looking to move the koi on after they move in.

Moving

Before a koi owner relocates, they can be proactive and try to find a home for their Living Jewels to ensure that they are not left up to the mercies of whomever the next property owner is (as sometimes a koi pond can affect property value).

Grown Too Big

Many new enthusiasts are not made aware of how large a nishikigoi can get under good feeding and water conditions, and they can quickly become overwhelmed—especially if the koi are being housed in a tank versus a pond.

Not Aware of Proper Care

Additionally, many new owners don’t appreciate the level of maintenance that comes with koi ownership and are quickly swamped by the amount of necessary upkeep.

Overstocking

There is a generally accepted ratio for the size of a koi fish and the volume of water required to provide a healthy environment. A good koi owner should always be aware of their fish load. It will directly impact their water quality and as a result the quality of life of the koi in it.

Lose Interest

Sadly, some people just aren’t koi people. They will find that owning and caring for a nishikigoi is not for them. Given the alternative of simply letting them die, however, finding a better home for them is by far the better choice.

To the Rescue

It’s not unusual to see a report in local newspapers around the country highlighting how koi are unexpectedly ending up on the end of hooks in waterways. This is usually the result of koi owners simply dumping their unwanted fish into nearby bodies of water.

Fortunately, however, there are kind-hearted individuals and organizations (like Vagabond koi in San Diego) that are dedicated to”rescuing” your koi and “rehoming” them in the best possible home that it can get outside of your own pond.

The organizations that are committed to relocating koi have specific requirements and protocols for rescue and adoption. Make sure you find out what they are and follow them as closely as possible.

Alternative Options

By and large, the koi ownership fraternity is a dedicated and caring one. Do a little research and contact a koi owners’ club or organization near you, or reach out on a local koi forum. They can be a great source of information. They can often make suggestions regarding affiliated organizations or refer you to members can help to rehome your koi. Santa Barbara Koi will even inspect your pond before koi adoption to make sure it is up to spec and provide recommendations to make it so if it is not.

Koi Rescue Phoenix Arizona has a notification list, allowing interested parties to exchange information directly.  Of course, there are always offers like this on Craigslist.

Considerations

Despite the best intentions of koi adoption agencies, there is no guarantee that the koi you will be adopting is illness- or disease-free. It is advisable to follow quarantine protocols before introducing them to your pond. It also gives the new addition time to adjust its new water parameters.

Like any new koi that you add to your pond, it might take your adopted koi a little while to adjust to its new environment. If you can adopt two from the same pond, it can be helpful in the readjustment period.

Once that koi leaves with the adoptive owner, it then becomes the responsibility of that owner. The new owner assumes all the risk (and reward!) of that koi.

If you are thinking of adopting a koi and are new to the world of koi ownership, here is guide on considerations for a new koi owner. And whether you adopt or buy a koi fish, chose wisely and your koi will provide you many years of joy.