gold fish in the water trough?

[momofsix]

This weekend I discovered a gold fish in my horses big water trough. I thought I was seeing things! I asked the barn owner and he said he put it in there to eat the mosquito larvae and other bugs and that the fish knows to go to the bottom when the horses stick in their noses? Has anyone heard this before? I thought that was pretty clever.

[Katie_85]

We've got them in all the tanks and troughs. Although we have lost a few.... some of the horses, Mr. Bill specifically, seem to have taken a liking to them. Either that or he really doesn't pay attention to what he's slurping up! :D

[nutkin]

lol what a fantastic idea!! Maybe the idea will catch on.

[western]

I dont have fish in my water tank just because its an automatic waterer. But I do have fish in my pond outside the house. The fish love to eat the mosquitoes and alge that grow in the tank. Do any of you bring the fish in a warmer spot in the winter ? I do with mine because my pond dont have a heater in it.

[jinglejoys]

This is an old trick-farmers use it in cattle troughs as well to keep the water clean :)

[Jumping Genius]

Yeah the place i board at does that too.They eat unwanted bugs and larvae! they also clean the water! i think it is a really good idea!

[B&R's Mum]

I have never heard to this before, sounds an interesting idea if the fish don't manage to contaninate the water. But then if it did cause problem you prebably wold know by now.

[Merlinz gal]

wow might suggest that idea :D

but do the fish contaminate the water??? what about their droppings would they not harm the horses? what side affects are there if a horse should swallow one? :p

[cvb]

Merlinz Gal

I think it works cos the horses are drinking the water so it gets freshened up regularly.

One yard I remember seeing it at - if a bunch of horses came back from a ride thirsty the poor fishies ended up with a little bit at the bottom :eek: I think they had it on auto-refill. You'd think it would be stressful, but the fishies thrived :D

[brandysnap]

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[Sunshine*]

...and it's awsome b/c Goldfish grow with the larger atmosphere. My ex-boss gave me her trough fish when she moved, and they are abnormally large for goldfish... it's an interesting thing to watch for sure!!!!