eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Protect Pond Fish From Predators

Member
By Secretsides
User-Submitted Article
(3 Ratings)
Pond fish are in danger of predators
Pond fish are in danger of predators

A pond in your garden or backyard can provide hours of entertainment and peace. It is very calming and satisfying to sit by your pond. If you have fish in your pond, one of the biggest problems is keeping your fish safe from birds and other predators. Here are a few steps to help you make your fish safe.

From Quick Guide: Ponds 101
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Shovel
  • Netting
  • Plastic owl and or snake
  • Lily pads or other pond plants
  • Motion lights
  1. Step 1

    Dig your pond at least 3- to 4-feet deep. This will make it easier for your fish to duck for cover. Place lily pads and other pond plants in the pond to provide shelter for your fish.

  2. Step 2

    Net the pond if absolutely necessary, but this is not very attractive. You can also put a barrier on the top to prevent herons and other large birds from swooping down into your pond and eating your fish for dinner.
    If you have time, you can keep watch, go outside and shoo them away. That option isn't very practical. Sometimes an old-fashioned scarecrow can help do the trick. You can get real creative and put a mannequin in your yard.

  3. Step 3

    If you have the money, you can provide an electrical fence to keep larger critters out of your pond. Some people have motion lights that activate when predators try to get to their fish. But the fake owl or fake snake option is best if you provide some shelter with lily pads, and enough depth to your pond you can help protect your fish with your fake accomplices. It is important to move your owl and snake around every once in a while so the herons and other predators don't think that they are dead.

Comments  

Flag This Comment

on 6/28/2009 I have herons and cranes on the lake and I want to have a garden pond with koi fish. I thought maybe it would be a good idea to put my Christmas animated deer up around it all year round, moving them to a different position occasionally. What do you think?

gpcs said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2008 Nicely done - especially like the tip about moving the fake predators.
-George

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden