Kichi Koi Buffet On-Demand Feeder

End your koi's feast or famine cycle. Beauty, function and simplicity combine to make the world's finest all mechanical, on-demand koi feeder. Made of fine tropical hardwoods with a durable, weather resistant finish, this feeder will complement any discerning hobbyist's koi pond. This is a demand feeder that allows your koi to eat based on their biorhythms. It uses no batteries or electricity but instead relies on a very reliable and unique koi-activated lever system. The feeding mechanism is easily and widely adjustable to accommodate various sizes of koi, feed diameters and quantities. If you wish large, robust, happy koi with the very best body conformation, this is the feeder for you!

Kichi Koi Buffet FAQ's

Won't my koi overeat?

• During the first few days your koi may very well overeat. Remember, they probably have been on a feast or famine cycle. Soon they will realize that a steady food source is available and will only eat as much as they want. -- Recommendation: Initially, fill the feeder only with the amount of food you would normally feed at any one feeding. After several days, increase the food to a day's supply. After a week or so, add more than one days food supply if you wish.

Won't there be a lot of wasted food?

• During the first few days there may be some wasted food. After a few days you should find much less uneaten food in your skimmer and filtration system. The feeder only dispenses a relatively small amount of food with each pull so it all tends to be consumed.

Won't the koi keep pulling on the "worm" until the feed hopper is empty?

• The koi are more interested in eating than pulling on the "worm". With each pull, they have to release the "worm" in order eat. Once satisfied, they tend the leave the feeder alone.

How do I train them to use the feeder?

• You don't have to do anything. They will figure it out on their own in a very short time period.

How long does it take for them to learn how to use the feeder?

• It depends. The fastest we have seen was less than 20 minutes. The longest was five days but the owner also was using a timed electrical feeder at the same time. If you withhold feeding them otherwise, they should learn within a few hours.

My koi were using the feeder but have not touched it for over 36 hours now?

• Have you ever been sport fishing? Wild fish do not bite all the time. Your koi are no different. There are many different conditions that can affect you koi's appetite such as changes in weather or barometric pressure, recent visits by predators, parasites or other diseases, changes in water qualities, temperatures, stress etc. Recommendation: Look for the reason the koi are not eating and take prompt remedial action if necessary.

My koi no longer come rushing up to meet me when I approach the pond.

• This is both a disadvantage and an advantage when using an on-demand feeder. The koi apparently have not made the great leap to rationalization; they cannot connect who fills the feeder to where the food comes from. An advantage is that they will be less likely to greet predators and will be somewhat more elusive. -- Recommendation: If you find this a disadvantage, feed your koi a very special treat (maybe shrimp or bloodworms?) when you visit the pond

Specifications:

• Overall height (without pull string): 12" / 30.5cm
• Overall width and depth: 11.25" / 29cm
• Weight (empty): 4 lbs. 13oz / 2.2kg
• Capacity: 1 US gallon / 3.75 liters (Approximately 4 lbs / 1.5 kg of feed)
• Minimum height over water level: 2" / 5cm
• Maximum height over water level: 26” / 66 cm (Koi keeper may increase if desired.)
• Primary pull string from feeder lever to wood weight: 7.75" / 20cm
• Wood weight (May vary in design, size and shape): 2" / 5cm
• Primary pull string from wood weight to "lure": 18" / 45.5cm
• "Lure" (nylon twine): Length 9” / 24cm
• Primary pull string may be shortened at koi keeper's option. The wood weight maybe omitted if desired. Pull string may be lengthened (available option or user provided).

Lever Specifications:

• Operational opening angle (from horizontal): 0° (closed) to > 45º (fully open) and fully variable in between by using adjusting screw. Pull string attachment positions: Two fixed positions. Easily adjustable between the fixed positions.
• Lever weight: Adjusting screw provides basic weight. Koi keeper may provide additional weight by attaching flat washers or nuts to the adjusting screw.
• Pull string travel distance: Variable, depending upon the operational opening angle and the pull string attachment position.
• Pull string opening force: Variable, depending upon the pull string attachment position and lever weight. Amount and weight of feed will alter this slightly.

Feed Specifications:

• Minimum pellet size tested: 1/8” / 3mm
• Maximum pellet size tested: 3/8” X 1/4” / 1cm X 5mm
• Feed dispensed: Amount is variable depending upon the various lever adjustments, feed pellet size, how hard the koi pulls on the worm and how long before the koi releases the worm.

Other:

• The top cap has been drilled for the koi keeper to attach the feeder to an overhead suspension system.
• Feed is added by unlatching the hinged roof of the feeder.
• Lever adjustments are made through the access opening in bottom of the feeder.
• Amount of feed in the feeder is easily determined by viewing through the tinted windows.
• Finish is a poly urethane selected for its weather-resistance and wood-enhancing qualities. The wood is natural without additional stains. Natural variations in wood tones and colors will occur.
• The frame is of Dysosylum Lourciri (often called Ironwood or Rose Mahogany). The roof, side panels, feed hopper and bottom is Acassia Aneura which has minimal expansion and shrinkage and generally has a lighter yellow color.