How to Protect Your Fishpond
19 Mar 2020 Water Features
If you have a fishpond on your property, you may be familiar with the frustration of losing some of your fish to predators. Even if you have not lost fish, you might notice that your fish are skittish and hesitant to come to the surface when you sprinkle food in the water. This can be evidence that they have been visited by a predator, and it is good to set precautionary measures in place to avoid losing your pets. At Fontana Ponds & Water Features, we know how to protect your fishpond from predators and we are always happy to provide information about proper pond care to anyone who wants to learn more.
How to Protect Your Pond from Predators
Whether you have goldfish, expensive koi, or any other variety of pond fish, it is important to know how to protect your pond from all kinds of predators. The predators from which you will need to protect your fish will vary depending on where you live. In BC, the most common predators to be aware of include raccoons, herons, cats, otters, hawks, and owls. Some of the different ways to protect your fish from these predators include:
Install Pond Netting
Pond netting or wire mesh tends to be the most effective way to deter predators, but it is not very visually appealing. If no other tactics work, this is almost always a guaranteed way to keep your fish in your pond, but it comes with an aesthetic sacrifice.
Install a Fish Cave
If given the chance, fish will usually take care of themselves when a predator comes around. Building a fish cave for your pond can give your fish a place to hide when they are threatened. These need to be placed deep enough in the pond to ensure that predators cannot reach them, so they work best in ponds of at least four feet in depth.
Get a Dog
Dogs are excellent protectors of property and they will keep the majority of predators away from your pond if they are kept outside. Hunting dog breeds such as Labradors, Spaniels, Setters, and various hound breeds are sometimes the best deterrent for predators, but make sure you train the dog to stay out of the pond as well.
Set Up Decoys
Setting up decoys of larger predators such as an alligator, large dog, or bird of prey can often help to chase away smaller, less driven predators and keep your pond safe.
If you would like to learn more about how to protect your fishpond, or if you would are interested in finding out more about our range of pond services and products, please connect with us by filling out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you, or call us at 778-990-9773.
