Time to change barrel pond?

[Fay54]

Hello all,

Can somebody please tell me the best time to change a barrel that is home to frogs?

The barrel is set against a wall with garden at each side and I think the frogs sometimes go down behind the barrel.

The barrel is getting old and must be leaking as the water level won't stay.
I have a new half barrel but after about 15 years I'm a little afraid to take out the old one incase I inadvertently damage a frog.

Previously I have done what somebody said in an earlier thread to clean it out ..... at the back end of the year I leave about four inches of water in the bottom and clean the sides and the stones..... but taking the whole barrel out is a bit nerve wracking.

Thankyou
Fay

Thankyou

[tameblackbirds]

Probably now is the best time just be sure that no larvae are lost as you transfer over to new barrel. frogs will be looking for hibernation spots soon and not be in pools or ponds for much longer. just take care as you remove old barrel. good luck

[Fay54]

Thanks for the advice 'tameblackbirds' ........... I'm still very apprehensive but will have to get on with it. .... the low water level is very dirty.
Fay

[Bishopswood]

Originally Posted by tameblackbirds

Probably now is the best time just be sure that no larvae are lost as you transfer over to new barrel. [b]frogs will be looking for hibernation spots soon and not be in pools or ponds for much[/B] longer. just take care as you remove old barrel. good luck

Have to say that nearly all of our frogs hibernate at the bottom of our pond which is 3ft deep.

[Fay54]

Yes Bishopswood, I also heard that from a friend of mine.... I thought they burrowed in soft mud.

I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet plucked up courage and changed the barrel but I have started to clean out some of the thick slimey dirt from the bottom.
The barrel is about 18" deep and I think in the past they have gone to sleep somewhere round the back of the barrel in the dark...... or in the thick ground cover plants around the barrel.

I use to look every spring and summer but I haven't ever seen any spawn although from only one frog a few years ago there's now usually three frogs together in the barrel..... they've probably come from other ponds in the area.

As the weather is starting to change I might wait until late spring to have a go ...... checking for spawn first ..... and remembering all your advice.

Thankyou
Fay

[Kayleigh]

Hi Fay,

Please change the barrel before spring as this is the time they spawn in mine so now would be the perfect time to do it.

[Fay54]

Thanks Kayleigh ...... I'd better get my sleeves rolled up then .....
Jean

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Fay54

Thanks Kayleigh ...... I'd better get my sleeves rolled up then .....
Jean

yes, the weather is still warm enough to make the job a pleasant one..