Pond Care

[richyt99]

Hi,

I have built a pond (now nearly established 8 months old) and with care and attention it is now getting established with Water Lillies, small Reeds, and oxygenating plants. It has attaracted pond skaters and the usual small water beetles and snails. However I would ideally like to get some frogs or other such reptiles into the pond?

Would any one have any ideas to attract or provide any wildlife or advise where to go to obtain such animals?

Many thanks

Richard

[Jez]

Looks like you have the big attraction already to encourage amphibians!

Frogs toads and other amphibians like newts like eating slugs as do hedgehogs, so if you have slugs in your garden then the chances are you could get any of these creatures coming in. Make sure your pond is hedgehog friendly as they're not good swimmers and can very easily drown in a pond should they happen to fall in!

A lot of people perhaps think I'm crazy for saying this but plants like Hostas which are very nice to have in a garden, there super succulent for slugs and slugs super succulent for frogs and toads so maybe worth your while?!?

But coming the summer months in general, amphibians are usually very active and will be out and about and a new pond on there travels will be an amphibians delight!

All the best

I think it's just a matter of time

Jez

[richyt99]

Thanks for your speedy response..

I shall see what happens over the summer period, I have plenty of slugs, ants so that shouldn't be a problem. However I am now concerned about the hedgehog issue... three drowned last year ... what can I do to halt their demise?

Birds don't seem to have a problem they bathe quite successfully in the shallow bits. I have been raising the banks and placing plants around the steeper sides today.The hedgehogs seem to have a suicidal tendacy!! unfortunately.

What can I do?

Thanks for your time...

Richard

[Jez]

crikey I have just replied to this thread and once again it hasn't been submitted though I have had clearly logged in!

Well once my spirits have lifted again I will attempt another go at trying to help you richyt99

[Kayleigh]

Hi richyt99, Great advice from Jez,

I live in Northants where abouts are you?

I get toads, newts, frogs and all sorts of wildlife in my pond.
For the hogs you need make the sides shallow or put in a ramp so they can scramble out.

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Hi richyt99, Great advice from Jez,

I live in Northants where abouts are you?

I get toads, newts, frogs and all sorts of wildlife in my pond.
For the hogs you need make the sides shallow or put in a ramp so they can scramble out.

Thanks Kayleigh, your post in so many words was what my reply was about-Cheers

[richyt99]

Thanks Kayleigh, Jez,

Seems like I have made a design goof on my pond have ledges for the plants.. I will have to look around for some more plants in the hope the Hogs can pull themselves out from them.

Kayleigh,
I am in the East Hunsbury area, quite built up. May be tricky for the reptiles to get across and find the pond, I will wait and see over the summer. But if you are close by and fancy losing some spawn or tadpoles in the early part of next year I would be grateful

I currently have no fish and don't intend to get any.. is that a good or bad idea?

Thanks

Richard

[Kayleigh]

No fish is a good thing,

I'm in Towcester, so not too far from you.
but wait to see what turns up in yours before moving spawn.

[Queen bee]

Pop some plants around the outside as well -- we have many including water mint (native and a lovely smell). Plants like these attract insects from bees to little creatures that your amphibians will adore. I suspect there is a newt in our pond, and it is about the same age as yours so you never know! Perhaps let the grass grow long around the pond to attract more invertebrates. Lots of luck!

[richyt99]

Hi,

Have been waiting and waiting but still no wildlife for my ponds/ Birds are loving it and bathing regularly. Would be nice to have seen some frogs/toads etc but to no avail.

Think my home is too much in a built up area to attract sucgh wildlife
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...lies/smile.gif
Any more ideas?

Richard