What Eats Frogspawn?

[Grrrrrr]

I'd be very careful about using a new bucket. Tadpoles and frogs (and spawn) are very susceptible to poisons in their environment and a new bucket will release plasticiser... possibly enough to wipe out the spawn / tadpoles. An old bucket or steel one would be better. I'd certainly hedge my bets where I could (I have my spawn split between 2 tubs and my pond with the greater amount in the pond) but unless you have Koi or similar it is probably best to leave it in the pond. Also, whatever you do, don't let tapwater near it!

[Dogghound]

Yes i would leave it in the pond too.

[jimmyshoes]

Hi all,

Thanks for the tip about steel bucket vs plastic bucket. I'll move the spawn to a steel bucket today. But now you've made me paranoid... what if there are trace metals in the steel bucket that could poison the water?
I know what you're saying about leaving it in the pond but as per the subject of this thread, for the last two years the spawn in my pond has either died or been eaten (still not sure what by but my money's on Mr Prickles) so this year I wanted to try something different to give the spawn a better chance of developing.

Kenny

[Dogghound]

If thats the case make sure your bucket is sheltered, a small volume of water heats up and cools down much quicker than a pond. Also make sure there is plenty for them to eat.

[Chas]

I put a handful of our spawn in a tank in my shed with green water from the pond , we now have around 1000 tadpoles! Never done this before, except when I was a boy. It's been quite a "re-learning" experience to watch them develop. They are obviously doing well because it gets quits warm in the shed during the day.