(The included video was filmed on a mobile phone)

Small Carp are vulnerable to predators, therefore our young Italians are transported to a special site where our waters are protected with predator netting and provided with additional aeration. Our Stage 2 ponds are also maintained to ensure rich and productive aquatic environments with volumes of natural food items available for the young fish, however we also begin supplementary feeding Stage 2 ponds with a carp pellet specifically designed and containing the best ingredients for this very important young stage of Carp life.

They are grown on for another year or two being regularly sampled by Roger and Steve to ensure that their high quality expectations are met. Usually, once these fish are towards the end of their C2 year the majority are large enough to be selectively graded with the best fish moved on to our ‘Stage 3’ waters where the next phase of their life begins.

Each time a stage 2 pond is fully harvested it is completely drained and sterilised using hydrated lime. This sterilisation helps ensure our fish health integrity on the site and provides a clean and productive aquatic environment for when we re-stock the pond with the next batch of young Italians.