Saving Fish From Birds

[Dude]

i have a huge barrel "pond" outside
and i would love to put some fish in it

iv had fish in there before but the problem was that the birds would eat the fish

ive seen people puttin nets arround the ponds but i was wondering if there is a way around putting a net over it

 

[chilledtim]

How big is your pond?

If they birds standing on the bank snatching fish then a small net "fence" should do. If they sit on the water and get the birds scarers or some sort are needed.

What sort of birds are they? this make help pick an appropriate scarer, alot of species simple dont like a fake one of there own kind placed by the pond. Some however are attrated to fellow members of there own species

 

[Dude]

its mostly crows but ive seen cats try thier way in there too ....


what if i provide lots of hiding spaces (plants caves)

cuz right now its fully open

 

[Dude]

if i provide lots of cover for the fish (as the barrel is not planted)
if i add plants and caves would that solve the problem?

 

[chilledtim]

if i provide lots of cover for the fish (as the barrel is not planted)
if i add plants and caves would that solve the problem?

That would help alot.

You could still build a 5" tall angled fence along the edge to be extra sure but fish arnt stupid, they will spot birds approching and if they have a safe place to hide they will.

Afew plants and ledges/caves to hide under should do it

 

[Dude]

will do i think ill plant some lily pads and that weird floating plant and maybe some elodea

im probably gonna get common goldfish and it seems to me that they arnt that smart.... but ill try and see if it works

should i get bigger fish insted of small ones

cuz birds cant really lift a 2 pund koi as i recall

 

[chilledtim]

Depends on the size of the pond, but fast fish would be better than slower fish, they can dart out the way quicker. I dont no what species you have where you are but something along the type of european orfe. Fast, big or bottom hugging fish

That said even goldfish would be ok with enuf cover, more caves and ledges.

I do agree tho, my goldfish dont seem as smart as my koi. they are abit prone to attacks