I woke up this morning and looked out the back window at the pond like i usually do. This time i see a tall white sihlouette standing next to it. So here i am at 6am running through the backyard in my boxers chasing a heron away. Im sure that was a great sight, lol. Luckily he didn't nab any of my koi. If he got anyone it was just a couple comets. So out came the pond net and I covered everything up. I do have heron statues and those have been working for 2+ years. They didn't fool this one though. Time to start looking at anohter heron control method as I really don't want to constantly leave the net over my pond.
Heron attack
- Thread starter joshk87
- Start date
koiguy1969
GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
Its too early for heron decoys...its still mating season...
That's good to know. For now I can take them away and leave the net on. When would be a good time to use the decoys?
digginponds
pondaholic
He already stopped here and had a great snack....son- of -
koiguy1969
GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
joshk87 said:
late june... Early july...
Will a electronic sound deterrent work such as the one in this link? Im not sure if this would work for herons.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+13740+12277&pcatid=12277
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5163+13740+12277&pcatid=12277
Remington makes a good deterant.
JoaniePA
Joanie
LOL! Very effective for racoons too!
DrDave said:
lol, you have no idea how bad i'd like to camp out and wait with one for when that heron comes back.
DrCase said:
lol, if i only lived outside the city.
bought the Scarecrow about 10 days ago. Watched it work on the heron last week--it landed, walked toward the pond and scarecrow fired-->heron departed.
So, yesterday morning's head count = down one new 8 inch doitsu platinum Koi and one old time goldfish.
i don't know what happened or how. Scarecrow is turned to max sensitivity and checked daily. working. so, is it :1) heron got used to it, i.e. does it need to be moved around? 2) spray is too high and doesn't hit the bird (i've seen 3 U-tube videos of the Scarecrow working and none where the water actually hits the bird.) 3) another creature?
I saw the heron yesterday as I was putting the screens back on. So I think it's the heron. It's been over to my neighbor's pond too.
Now I'm torn between next solutions.
1) buy the new electronic deterrent with a flashing mirror, strobe light and audible alarm and move it around. (moving it will be easier than the hose connected scarecrow.) Cost $115 at a local shop, but would it work?
2) wait, stalk and Beeman airgun w/scope. the one i have is a smaller version at only 600 fps. don't think it will be enough, but would definitely cause discomfort. Option is to buy 1200 fps beeman. Cost between $150-200.
3) design easy on easy off net set up and put it on EVERYTIME we are not in the back yard.
4) tie or fence a dog to the deck adjacent to the pond when we are not there.
Local Koi dealer has a really nice 11 inch Yamabuki Ogon for $125. I'm down three fish now and really would prefer to buy a fish over a deterrent for crying out loud. Like many of us here, I am really frustrated.
So, yesterday morning's head count = down one new 8 inch doitsu platinum Koi and one old time goldfish.
i don't know what happened or how. Scarecrow is turned to max sensitivity and checked daily. working. so, is it :1) heron got used to it, i.e. does it need to be moved around? 2) spray is too high and doesn't hit the bird (i've seen 3 U-tube videos of the Scarecrow working and none where the water actually hits the bird.) 3) another creature?
I saw the heron yesterday as I was putting the screens back on. So I think it's the heron. It's been over to my neighbor's pond too.
Now I'm torn between next solutions.
1) buy the new electronic deterrent with a flashing mirror, strobe light and audible alarm and move it around. (moving it will be easier than the hose connected scarecrow.) Cost $115 at a local shop, but would it work?
2) wait, stalk and Beeman airgun w/scope. the one i have is a smaller version at only 600 fps. don't think it will be enough, but would definitely cause discomfort. Option is to buy 1200 fps beeman. Cost between $150-200.
3) design easy on easy off net set up and put it on EVERYTIME we are not in the back yard.
4) tie or fence a dog to the deck adjacent to the pond when we are not there.
Local Koi dealer has a really nice 11 inch Yamabuki Ogon for $125. I'm down three fish now and really would prefer to buy a fish over a deterrent for crying out loud. Like many of us here, I am really frustrated.
koidaddy
karps house of koi
Make some pvc frames and cover with netting or window screening. I used screen to cut down on the sun as well. I have 3 that can be moved pretty easily to mantain and feed. When I am having guest over I just remove them all together and prop up behind my shed.
I made a fence cover made of metal and plastic pipe that I can partly remove. It is painted black ,hard to see and the fish love it to death because they feel safe 24/7. Look up removeable fence cover on this pond forum for a picture. RDK