It quickly became obvious that our new cattle trough was also a great breeding farm for mosquitoes. We certainly couldn’t poison them, because that’s the water for the animals. And it’s too big too tip over regularly.
So, we went with the time-honored technique of adding fish to the water. There are many options, including gambusias, which are actual mosquito fish. We went with goldfish. Because I’m a big spender, I went with the 32-cent ones rather than the 16-cent ones.
If we are right, they’ll eat lots and grow fast. The trough is deep enough to keep them safe from birds, I hope. I put them in the trough to get accustomed to the water temperature.
In zero seconds, onlookers appeared.
Those guys stood back, but Rip was really curious.
He got right up to them and bopped them with his nose.
After a while, the fish were freed.
Within a minute of being released, they were noshing on algae and chasing larvae. They won’t need the fish food I got them!
I look forward to seeing how they do. The trough adds new water when the cows and chickens drink, so the water won’t be stagnant. We will see.
The Hermits' Rest 
That’s so adorable!
Boopboop
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We have goldfish, too. But, we’ve not had as good luck in the black trough as a couple other places. Not sure why. Last time the bull messed up the outlet at the water faucet & the tank was almost dry when I found it. So, it was likely too goo concentrated. But, for the most part, we’ve had decent luck. One got as big as my hand before. But, birds do find them & coons, too. Those silly fish often like to lay on their sides & sun. I believe that may be what gets them in trouble. Enjoy!
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I think the black trough might get too hot. They seem to still be there today.
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