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Thread: Heron proof koi
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23-03-2021, 08:04 AM #1
Heron proof koi
At what size would you say koi become Heron proof don't really want to put a net over my pond once it's built so was wondering what would be the smallest fish I could put in the pond thanks
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john1 Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 08:06 AM #2
Don't think it matters mate, they eat small koi and just stab at larger koi.
Jay
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23-03-2021, 08:11 AM #3
So what do people use to stop them see alot of ponds with no nets on
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john1 Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 08:12 AM #4
It doesn't matter I don't think, I had a 13inch koi stabbed by a heron and left on ground
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23-03-2021, 08:14 AM #5Freddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
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john1 Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 08:39 AM #6
I use these. Bought 2 of them for extra posts and they seem to work well. Don't be put off by how cheap they are.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Superfish....m46890.l49292
Had a heron attack early last year but none since installing this. I have never heard the alarm go off so may be just a coincidence or a good deterrent. I couldn't cope with a net over the pond either.
I thought about the water jet sprayer but was worried that it would probably get me more than any herons!
Tim
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john1 Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 12:20 PM #7
lol.. my jet sprayer gets me most bloody mornings..
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23-03-2021, 01:20 PM #8
no such thing as heron proof by size, they are curious determined predators.
they would probably have a go at a 1mtr chag if the opportunity arose...
i think a lot depends on where you are... city or rural, how close to large bodies of water.
as to if you get heron problems.
i never saw a single heron where i've lived for the last 20 years...until i built a pond...
i have seen one fly past a few times, checked the 'PIR events' cctv on the pond quite often. and it has never landed that i have seen.
but my pond is close to the house, covered in winter, and netted at night in the summer.
made a frame from conduit stetched netting over it and bungee corded down.
i just take it of during the day when i'm home.
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23-03-2021, 05:27 PM #9John
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Ajm Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 08:02 PM #10
I had one of those heron scarers that made a noise and had flashing lights. The heron just walked passed it. Useless.
Although ugly and not 100%, a net is the only effective deterrent
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23-03-2021, 08:10 PM #11
On the farms when using a gas powered bird scarer wonder if you could fit a movement sensor instead of pressure build up . Might piss the neighbours off like and could end up with armed police at the door but it would work lol
Sent from my F5121 using TapatalkFreddyboy the legend
"we are water keepers first"
Johnathan
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Letimgo Thanked / Liked this Post
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23-03-2021, 11:25 PM #12
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23-03-2021, 11:30 PM #13
I’ve not lost a fish to a heron in a decade and there are herons in my area. They have had a go at fishing in my wildlife pond in the past.
Reasons they don’t visit now? Raised pond with vertical sides so no wading opportunity. No plants or baskets. Jump guards around ponds are a massive trip hazard to a heron. 3 cats and a dog, cats drink from the pond. Fish all too big to take (all over 50cm).
The heron I caught in my fishing line protection years ago must have told his friends. I did cut him loose and release him unharmed, but I think it freaked him out somewhat2016 new 6000 gallon pond
https://www.koiforum.uk/pond-construc...ghlight=feline
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25-03-2021, 01:26 PM #14
I use a criss cross of 80lb fishing line tied between the trees in my garden. This is 20 ft high and the wire is transparent so it doesnt look unpleasant.
Small birds can get in but never had the heron back since I did this..
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25-03-2021, 01:58 PM #15
Oh no!
I could be in trouble then? I live about a mile away from this place and its rife with the buggers.
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
But then, my pond is formal and raised, ( so no wading ) and is pretty much attached to the house?
Then add to the mix Lyra Airedale and Wilson the standard poodle and the fact that both neighbours have ground level wildlife ponds with goldfish and I might be in with a shout???
https://youtu.be/Rq0UuFlxSVoEZ-pond 1200i Semi-Raised Pond, Spin-drifter BD, Oase Aquaskim, Oase Proficlear Compact Gravity, 1x Bermuda 10,000, 1x Evo-Aqua 20,000 Vari Wi-fi Pumps, 2x Evo-Aqua 70L Air Pumps , Evo-Aqua 55w UV, Aqua-Sieve Midi, 3 Tier Fabricated Stainless Shower, Hydro-Pro Z7 Heat Pump, 48" Big Blue De-chlorinator, Profi Auto Feeder & Seneye Pond Pack.
"That'll do pig. That'll do"
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25-03-2021, 02:40 PM #16
i'd imagine they can only fit a fish a few inches long down their throats.... but you'd be surprised....
and a good job we don't have these beasts over here, big enough to take on and beat an eagle
Last edited by davethefish1; 25-03-2021 at 02:47 PM.
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Ruffers22 Thanked / Liked this Post
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25-03-2021, 06:23 PM #17
We have lots of Herons near us and one flies over the garden most days.
I designed and built a heron scarer back in the 90's. Mains powered, 2 PIRs and we also had very high water pressure at that house.
Only saw it in action with a Heron once (though soaked myself many times).
The Heron did a kind of flap and sideways jump then carried on to the pond's edge ignoring the pulsing spray and "pht-pht-pht".
However, I don't think this Heron was expecting multiple large fish to swim towards it with their mouths open and sucking loudly expecting to be fed - it flew away.
Yep, looks like I had a pond full of "Guard Koi".
Fish in new pond aren't that tame yet, but our rescue cat would probably sidle up to any Heron and deploy full "cute and cuddly".
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25-03-2021, 06:53 PM #18
My pond is set in the ground with no shallows just straight down to 4 feet and no plants. I use fishing line all round pond edge. One is about 4 inches off the ground the other about 7 inches they both go round the same pegs which are at intervals round the pond. Someone told me to do this when i first built the pond, apparently the Heron is spooked by the nylon when it catches against it. But I have also heard they will just flop on to the surface if they can't wade in, so just to be sure I also run the lines across the pond still using the same pegs. You don't notice the lines but they do become a pain when you have to net a fish.
Running heater at low temp?
Covering the pond with polycarb should be enough to stop water temps dipping below 6C for the most...