Breeding carp in a home pond is a profitable activity for enterprising men
Competent carp breeding in a home pond is not only about chic fish dishes on the table. The products can be successfully sold, thanks to which the family budget will be significantly replenished. Of course, to organize such a "production" will have to work hard. However, it's worth it, the main thing is to be well versed in the nuances of growing fish at home. First, let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this type of business. Then we will learn how to run a carp pond farm on the territory of a country house.
Pros and cons of home fish farming
The benefits of self-raising fish include::
- unpretentiousness of animals;
- rapid growth in livestock;
- excellent taste of meat;
- a small number of small bones.
The main disadvantage of a business is the initial investment of material resources. For business you need water or a pool, various equipment, fry, food. Animals can get sick, resulting in losses. The payback will not always correspond to the investment, since you need to constantly look for ways to sell live products.
Additional help in making a decision will be close communication with farmers who are successfully running this business.
Breeding carp in a home pond: preparatory measures
Before getting down to business, let's get acquainted with a living “object” with which we will have to work. Carp is a freshwater fish. Inhabits lakes and rivers of Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and eastern Asia. There are 27 varieties of it.
For breeding carp in small reservoirs, these types are chosen:
- Mirror (grow up to 1 m, weigh more than 50 kg);
- Naked (the most demanding conditions of detention);
- Scaly (unpretentious to food);
- Koi (decorative fish with a bright color).
Most often, novice farmers prefer unpretentious scaly carp. Other varieties are grown when it comes up. Fish with a variegated color (type of carp "Koi") are launched into ponds for beauty.
The main feature of fish is thermophilicity. She only feels comfortable in a well-heated pond.
Ideal location and pond requirements
In their natural environment, carps are found in various water bodies. However, to organize a fish farm on the territory of a country house, an artificial pond or pool will be required. Initially, the "reservoir" is installed away from highways and other sources of noise. In addition, it cannot be placed in the lowlands. Otherwise, after a flood or rain, dirty water will get into it.
There are cases when an artificial reservoir, the summer resident receives as an "inheritance" from the previous owner. But before you start fishing, his condition is carefully checked. It must meet the requirements for keeping carp.
If a pond is dug, then a number of parameters are observed:
- pond depth - no more than 3 m;
- the length and width of the reservoir is 3x3 m;
- the bottom is first covered with sand, then covered with concrete and a rubber film is stretched.
When the activities are completed, clean water is poured. It is populated with various algae and microorganisms. Thanks to this, after a few months, the "lake" will be filled with living organisms.
It is advisable to protect the pond from waterfowl. They are carriers of dangerous viruses and microbes.
Pool use
For convenient breeding of carp at home, many farmers prefer special pools. Designs are round or square. It is much easier to create a comfortable living environment in them and observe the state of water and fish. The maximum depth of the pools is 1.5 m. The same requirements are imposed on them as for an artificial pond.
Fill the prepared tank preferably with artesian water. If possible, it can be taken from a nearby river or lake.
Optional equipment
An artificial pond, water and heat are the minimum requirements for carp breeding. However, there are many tools available to make caring for animals easier. In addition, they stimulate the offspring of fish.
Most often, farmers use:
- water filters;
- compressors;
- cages;
- oxygen generators;
- auto feeders;
- bottom cleaners;
- backlit.
Incubators are a wonderful help for raising carp in a home pond. With the help of such devices, a large number of fry are obtained. The circulating water supply system is used to create an artificial flow. Devices for testing the composition of the liquid make it possible to control the ingress of harmful substances into the pond. An oximeter measures the oxygen level required for the comfortable existence of fish.
The temperature of the water in the pond or pool should be 22-30 ° C. If necessary, the warm liquid is drained, and the cold one is served.
Carp breeding scheme
After careful preparation of the reservoir, they begin to acquire fry. The safest option is to reach out to farmers who are successful in fish farming. They usually provide certificates and licenses that confirm the quality of live products. At the same time, when buying fry, you can observe how “tasty” fish live in captivity.
Now let's figure out when it is best to launch carp into the pond. Experts advise doing this in late April or early May. Of course, you need to focus on the weather conditions. The main criterion is the water temperature. It should warm up to at least 24 ° C.
If necessary, the required temperature is created artificially using electrical devices.
Balanced diet
Although carp is considered an unpretentious fish, it feeds only in warm enough water. His "breakfast" begins after the sun warms up the water, and dinner ends before sunset.
There are several ways to feed animals:
- extensive;
- intensive
- semi-intensive.
In the first option, the reservoir is populated with natural fauna and flora. In such conditions, the fish feeds on their own, so they gain weight very slowly. The intensive method involves the use of combined feed. Thanks to this, the carp quickly gains weight. However, the pond or pool must be cleaned frequently to remove food debris. The semi-intensive way of feeding is considered the golden mean. It allows the fish to feed on natural ingredients as well as human supplementation. Let's find out more specifically what carps eat in a home pond in order to grow a quality "product".
Typically fish loves to feast on:
- worms;
- larvae of various insects;
- steamed cereals;
- rye bread.
If necessary, it is fed with special mixtures that are given to chickens and pigs. The food is served 2 times a day, morning and evening.
To keep the reservoir clean, food is placed in a special tray with a pallet. It is carefully immersed in water, and when it is empty, taken out.
And how fast does carp grow in a pond with this feeding technology? Observations show that large individuals are obtained from fry in 9 months. Often their weight reaches 0.5 kg.
Nuances of winter content
In its natural environment, fish perfectly tolerate low water temperatures. However, in artificial reservoirs, it can suffer from a lack of oxygen. To avoid this, farmers organize special conditions for wintering carp in a home pond. The livestock is caught from the reservoir and placed in a separate tank. An oxygen generator is installed in it, and the required temperature is maintained (0 ° C). In the spring, when the water warms up well, the fish is returned to its original place.
Considering the technology of how to raise carp in a pond will help budding farmers get down to business with confidence. It consists in financial calculations and preparation of the reservoir. You will also need to purchase the necessary equipment, food and, of course, fry. The reward for your efforts will be a delicious fish dinner and replenishment of the family budget.