EP154: Koi Grow Out Contest Secrets with Shawn McHenry

The Pond Digger Podcast

There are secrets to winning koi grow out contests, and Koi expert Shawn McHenry of Mystic Koi is here to share some of these secrets. Eric and Shawn discuss koi grow out contests, how these contests work, and how to select, grow, and prepare fish to their best potential for competition.

In this episode, they talk about:

• The history of koi grow out contest and what a koi grow out contest means

• Creating a level playing field for participants, regardless of their financial capacity

• How the judging process works at the contests

• What breeders get from participating in the competition

• The draft/selection process for buying new fish at the contests

• Tips for choosing the right fish — things to look for like head size, body structure, color, behavior, etc

• Optimal growing conditions like tank size, water temperature, feeding schedule

• Tips for maximizing growth like stocking density, water changes, fasting before shows

• Shawn’s experience with koi grow out contests

• Typical growth rates for contest fish versus regular pond fish

• Growth expectations between more expensive jumbo contest fish and cheaper typical pond fish

• Finishing techniques like potassium baths right before shows

• Common mistakes like overfeeding that lead to poor color/condition

• Advice for underdog hobbyists looking to improve

• Typical pond/water conditions for contest fish versus regular home pond fish

• News on upcoming koi breeding contests

Mentioned:

Mystic Koi & Water Gardens Website

Mystic Koi & Shawn McHenry - YouTube

Shawn McHenry (@shawnisfun) on Instagram

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