Dead Hedgehog and polluted water

[Baggy]

Hi everyone,

Sadly (and traumatically for my girlfriend) I discovered a dead hedgehog in the pond on Sunday evening. I haven't been out to the pond for quite a long time but by the looks of things the poor little guy has been in there for quite some time.

The pond already has access routes out of it so this is just a sad event.

The problem I have is that by the looks of things (I only found it at dusk on Sunday night and removed it yesterday evening) the decomposition of the hedgehog has had an effect on the quality of the water (not to mention the smell)...

It looks as though there is a film of pollution over it, and the water snails that I can see didn't seem to be moving (and looked very white!).

So what do I do?

Do I leave the pond to see if it will recover naturally?

Do I drain it and start again?

Not sure what the knock on effect will be for the other animals in the pond (it is normally filled with frogs, newts, snails etc), are they going to have been wiped out?

All your advice is welcome...

[nightshade]

The size of your pond and what you have in it will have some bearing on what to do. I suggest taking off the offending scummy water first and replacing it. If really necessary change up to 50% of the water with chlorine free water at pond temperature.

[Baggy]

Pond isn't massive.

2m x 1m

I will try and skim it...

[Kayleigh]

What is in it..If it was me and no other water was available I would use tap water only as a last resort but I wouldn't add any chemicals to it..
Have you got water butts in the garden I keep mine for filling the pond.

[tom00_uk]

its the fatty acids from the dead hog and other decomposition taking place, if possible top up the pond with the inflow below the surface and the "oil lick" will overflow away into the flower bed

this will also replenish the water and dilute down and excess nutrients

[dampflippers]

You can remove an oily film by placing a sheet of paper on the water. This will attract the film. Then just remove the paper and compost it. Do this several times if necessary.

At temperatures now, your snails won't be moving much anyway, nor will other pond creatures.
I doubt whether it will have a long term effect, but you could top it up and / or take some of the polluted water out first.

As to the hedgehog- they often go in and out of hibernation, and when they do they are very thirsty. You could help avoid them needing to use the pond as a water source by putting out water in the garden all the time.
Also keep the pond filled up so there isn't a steep drop into the pond.

[nightshade]

Thank you for the newspaper tip, I had completely forgotten what a useful tip that is, dampflippers

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by dampflippers

As to the hedgehog- they often go in and out of hibernation, and when they do they are very thirsty. You could help avoid them needing to use the pond as a water source by putting out water in the garden all the time.
Also keep the pond filled up so there isn't a steep drop into the pond.

....I've got an open plant tray alongside my pond which is about 12" x 8" x 2" and which I also keep topped up with river water (same as the pond) or rainwater naturally fills it. This not only offers drinking water for all creatures but also a bird bath. Mostly blackbirds bathe there in my case and very regularly. I've landscaped the green tray into the rockery and it's weighted down with a couple of small rocks which also act as stepping stones for the smaller birds.



^ It's on the righthand side of the pond. Sorry I don't currently have a more detailed picture.