Koi Farming
Backyard koi ponds originated in Japan and gradually gained popularity in North America. A well-stocked koi pond makes a colorful garden addition. Koi farms provide the fish for these kinds of ponds.
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Koi
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Koi come in several colors, the most common being red, yellow, white, blue and black. Koi fish, domesticated versions of the common carp, live in fresh water and eat vegetables and other small creatures such as crustaceans and worms. The koi originated in Asia but also thrive in Europe and North America.
Location
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Ponds used for koi farming need a large water source, such as a well. Farm ponds also need clay soil to support the habitat.
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Funding
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A financial backer or partner is recommended to help shoulder the cost because an average middle class worker will not be able to afford constructing a koi farm alone. Funds from savings or a second home mortgage helps. Other options include bank loans and grants, although both come with a higher chance of rejection, and corporate funding, which leads to steady funding but lesser shares in profit.
Risks
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Koi farming comes with several specific risks. Poor koi genetics cause the biggest problem. As with many investments, stiff competition or a halt in cash flow can also mean trouble for your koi farm.
Benefits
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In spite of high start up costs, koi farmers do not have to worry about high running costs. Koi are also good fish to farm, since koi lay many eggs, prefer still waters, and tolerate a range of water conditions.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit japanese koi carp image by Roy from Fotolia.com contented koi image by Geoff Hobbs from Fotolia.com
