exposed spawn concerns

[galanthus]

Well, the frogs continue to mate like nothing on earth in my pond. There is now heaps and heaps of spawn and the lovely sound of frogs croaking nearly all night from the garden.

However, 2 of the clumps have been lain on top of large pond pot, this means that around an inch and a half of the surface of 2 clumps are actually above the water line. Not being one to interfere I wouldn't try to move it, however, can I take it that the above water spawn will die off in the air ? Or can I help it by maybe basting it with pond water for a few days ?

[ron1863]

I think it could be fine unless you have a hard frost but I'm sure other more knowledgeable members will advise you.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I think it could be fine unless you have a hard frost but I'm sure other more knowledgeable members will advise you.

I'd agree plus even if it does die off a bit there will still be hundreds if not thousands of tadpoles if the pond is that full!!

[galanthus]

it's hilarious, I go upstairs and put bins on to see pond and can see at least a dozen frogs just sticking shoulders out of water all facing same direction near spawn. Almost like that seaside game where you bash the emerging things with a mallet lol.

[afdawson]

I've had a similar problem, to what you've described, part of the heron defense net over the big fish pond dips into the pond water, and we've ended up with Frogs spawning there, on top of the netting. Ended up having to move the spawn to the top pond (The Fish and Top pond being connected by a pump fed stream) so that the little blighters get a better chance of surviving.....

[BloomingMarvellous]

I'm getting a wee Tad worried, I'm seeing all these reports of Spawn everywhere and all I've seen Is 1 large Frog, It's not unusual for Frogs to start Spawning in the South of England in early February, I've not seen any where I am.

[amanda berry]

I have had frogs mating for what seems like well over a week but no spawn. Could the female be too young. There seem to be quite a few frogs. It is now March and I have only one lump of spawn (in a different pond).
There was a very small lump of spawn last weekend - but it disappeared by the next day. Is this normal - what could be eating it?

[dampflippers]

I haven't got any spawn yet- I think mine are too sensible to lay it until the frost finishes.

I personally would push any exposed spawn to deeper water where it will be completely wet. Also if freezing is expected, I would try to sink some of it.

My frogs only lay in one of my ponds. I usually share it around the other 2 ponds when they have finished spawning.

[Paul mabbott]

I shouldn't worry too much - most ponds only freeze a couple of centimetres and the top layer of spawn will effectively insulate that below. The top spawn will be killed, of course, but in most cases there is far more than necessary produced.