Why we feed by hand at Springhills fish farm

We used to use automatic feeders on the farm, but a few years ago we switched mostly back to hand feeding.

The littlest fish get fed every hour all day long, whereas the bigger ones get a big meal at breakfast and a small amount through the day.

When we feed by hand, it gives us a chance to observe the behaviour of the fish.

We’re looking for anything unusual — if they’re riding high, riding low, or making extra bubbles. If they’re scared, crowding oxygen stones, or schooling together. Or the best and most-often case: they’re totally fine.

This observation helps us identify any issues before they get serious, such as a health concern or a mechanical issue with a pump or clogged screen. Then we can fix or treat it quickly so it doesn’t get out of hand!

We haven’t found a high-tech sensor or camera that is better than a trained Aquaculture Technician observing the fish several times a day. (And we had to learn that the hard way!)

We see better growth, better health and overall better results when we feed by hand — plus we all love it because it connects us with the animals we care for years at a time!

So score one for the old-fashioned way!
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