Frogs Spawn

[maiden_frog]

Hi

I wondered if anyone could help to answer a few questions regarding frog’s spawn. I have a wildlife pond, which I have had for several years now. This year it has been full of frogs from the end of February to present. Over this time quite a vast amount of spawn has been laid. I have however noticed in the last week or so that it’s slowly disappearing, shrinking and dying. Do you know why this is? Is it the weather? We have had spells of mild weather and freezing weather since January. Can it be to do with this? Climate change? I have also collected spawn from our local common, which I have done my best to keep on the surface of my pond, but over time it has sank to the bottom. It then appears to die off. Does it need to face the sun for it to develop? I hope you can help me to answer these questions. Is they anything I could do to help the spawn develop in to tadpoles?

Finally are they common places were you can find toad spawn? Its difficult to find this.

Regards
Darren

[Kayleigh]

Mine has hatched now and the spawn looks like it has disintegrated but it is OK its just the tiny tadpoles developing. I think maybe this has happened to yours. It doesn't need to be in the sun or face the sun.

[Dogghound]

The sun speeds up the development but isnt vital, the frost does damage spawn but only heavy frosts, sinking spawn doesnt necisserily mean its dead spawn.

Also very important, dont take spawn from other areas and put it in your pond, if the frogs or toads dnot breed there its for a reason, moving spawn can cause it to die, different water contidions and temperture. Toads generally breed in larger bodies of water and again i would advise for the toads welfare you leave their spawn alone.

[Kymba]

You could find that you will lose nearly all of it over this easter weekend if we get the snow and freezing temperatures the weather people are warning us about
I think a lot of wildife is going to get caught out!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Kymba

You could find that you will lose nearly all of it over this easter weekend if we get the snow and freezing temperatures the weather people are warning us about
I think a lot of wildife is going to get caught out!

I wouldnt worry to much, life always finds a way.

[vole-woman]

I've not had any spawn in the pond this year, although we did last year. I've seen a couple of frogs, so I'm not sure why no spawn. Could it be something to do with rat urine in the water? We had a rat earlier in the year who silted up the water with his digging, little beggar.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

I've not had any spawn in the pond this year, although we did last year. I've seen a couple of frogs, so I'm not sure why no spawn. Could it be something to do with rat urine in the water? We had a rat earlier in the year who silted up the water with his digging, little beggar.

A rat shouldn't put off frogs, id be very surprised if there was much in rat urine that would affect a frog. Due to one being an amphibian one a mammal. Ive noticed several local wild ponds with very little frog spawn in , worrying although it has been very cold. A lack of frog spawn could prove catastrophic to our wildlife not just the frogs.

[vole-woman]

I spoke too soon! Found a clump this morning - must have been laid since yesterday. There's been some in a field on the other side of town for a fortnight now, and my friend in Shrewsbury's had his for longer, so I thought we'd missed the boat.

Blue tits looking in the nest box as well - all I need is a water vole sighting for my log and I'll be ecstatic!

[vole-woman]

I think we might end up with more spawn than pond!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

I think we might end up with more spawn than pond!

Lovely photo..They are late aren't they