I Failed My Fish

[DrDave]

This is what I use year round.

 

[koikeepr]

I had a heron find my pond this fall, although luckily didn't lose any fish. My pond is partially above ground (water level is 2 feet above ground), which is a big deterrent to preditors. The problem is, the heron stands on the cap board (8" wide), sticks his head under the water, and just waits. I've got to figure out a way to make the cap board uninviting as a perch for him come spring...Right now the pond is covered and the fish are at the bottom (6 feet down), so he's not a threat at the moment...

I have the same problem chilligirl. Just put small fist-sized rocks on your capstones to make it hard for any animal to stand on the edge comfortably. That did the trick for me.

 

[D&RW]

wow I really like your design Dr. Dave. describe please the following:

1) material the netting is made of and where to get
2) how is it attached to the PVC
3) the styrofoam is so they float on the surface of the water?

KoiKeeper, can you provide fotos of the fist sized stones on the capstones?

 

[DrDave]

The fencing material comes from Home Depot and is 36" wide in 25' rolls. It is attached with tie wraps to thinwall 3/4" PVC tubing. I don't glue the tubing and that way I can re-use the fittings. The positive pressure inside keeps water out.
I used styrofoam tops in one of the photos. Since then I just support it with a cross member. The styrofoam was too much trouble to place and keep clean.

 

[D&RW]

very nice. thanks.

 

[DoDad]

I have herons that have a rookery a 1/2 mile from me.
Most birds are a little jumpy when it comes to sound or a sudden movement.
When I built my first pond I had small koi.
Then one day I saw a heron at the ponds edge and I let the dogs out to scare it away.
I didn't want to cover my pond with netting so I used a motion detector water scarecrow,
I've had only one visit since but did not see it but I did find a large pile of bird poo about 3 feet from the scarecrow
I don't know if it works on raccoons. I know they are in the yard quite a bit for my little dogs tree them.
They do steal my food when I forget and leave it by the pond.

 

[FineFins]

I have a heron that comes daily. He has not been successful yet because of my cat. The heron is pretty brave though. Yesterday I was taking something out to my compost and when I stepped outside I heard the WHOP WHOP WHOP of his wings. He was perched up in my tree scoping out the pond. Walking back from the compost I looked up in the tree and saw my little 6 pound cat swinging around on the top branches like she and the heron had been up there having a chat before I disturbed them.

I suppose it's just a matter of time before the heron is successful though.

 

[MassKoi]

I have used fishing line strung around the edge of the pond. I have tikki torches that I attach the lines too. One line is about a foot off the ground and the other about 3 feet up. Has worked for me.

 

[noobfisher]

well i do not know what got mine either a raccon or some sort of bird but i had 6 gold fish and 1 KOI now i have 3 gold fish and KOI scales on my pond liner and all over my hands if i catch what did it i will not have any more problems because i will kill it.

 

[DrDave]

I seriously doubt it was a cat. Racoons and big birds like the heron or egret are more likely. This sounds like a bird. They usually leave a trail near the pond.

 

[ZmanArt007]

I've talking to a guy who uses a motion activated strobelight, along with an short alarm sound, he says it does the trick.

 

[DoDad]

I was going to handle these but @ $130 each I didn't think I would sell to many.

I've talking to a guy who uses a motion activated strobelight, along with an short alarm sound, he says it does the trick.

 

[ZmanArt007]

I think they are more affective at night for raccoons at night though, because they art brighter at night...

 

[D&RW]

We lost a fish the other day. My biggest shebunkin. we have a GIANT heron hunting my neighbor's and my pond. ordered the Scarecrow. Set it up Friday. Spent a considerable amount of time adjusting it. Left the sensitivity at 7. Easily detects dogs and humans on the opposite side of the pond.

Today my wife watched the heron land about 2-3 ft in front of it. She said the bird was down maybe 2 seconds but saw my wife and lifted off before it was detected. no spray. Then Deb said it landed on the adjoining roof and our dog spooked it. I've been at work and missed it. Wife said it hasn't been back yet.

So, we don't know if it works or not. Seems like if the bird landed right in front, i.e. within a few feet it would have activated. But maybe not enough time. I did read a forum note on another forum in which most of the participants said their Scarecrow worked great, but one said the bird got sprayed and went on in the water after her fish anyway. go figure.

I would like the source for that other motion activated strobe and siren if one of you has it.

 

[koikeepr]

you need to act like a heron and see if it works! So sorry to hear about your loss!