Used Omlet outdoor rabbit run Width 2.2m Height 2.05m Length 3.1m vgc.

[Gertie]

Hi Everyone

 

I love most animals & I can definitely appreciate the beauty & grace of the heron. However, being a pond owner means the heron is currently in my bad books! I've just seen one (again) by my pond. I know they need to eat but I'd rather they didn't eat my goldfish. They are nothing fancy, just ordinary goldfish. I inherited them when I moved here last July...and as such that makes me there protector!!

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for heron repelling. So far I have tried a plastic heron which frequently moves about the pond, a shiny silver floating ball, windmills & fishing line criss crossed across the pond but it still keeps coming. I don't want to net the pond incase anything gets stuck in it & drowns.

 

Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks

[Egluntyne]

What about one of those windsock thingies that people use at caravan sites. You can get them on ebay.

 

[C&T]

I think netting is a good thing... I think if a heron knows there are fish, there isn't much that will deter it. Netting will ensure (as much as you can) that it can't get at the fish though.

 

Something black seems to be the most invisible to humans, and so doesn't detract from the garden.

[lillybettybabs]

I think a few of those windsocks below could work, I understand your worries about netting, I think you

can use electric netting as so as the heon touches it he'll get a shock.

[Gertie]

Hi Everyone

 

Thanks for the ideas. I think I will try the wind sock thingies. I know netting would be a good plan but I cannot risk my cats getting tangled in it. Bizarrely enough my cat fell in this very morning (well half of her anyway) which has only happened one time before. She has broken the fishing line which I strung across so now I have another job for the weekend. I've put lots of obstacles around the pond which is supposed to deter the heron from landing, so the pond looks like someone threw a load of rubbish around the edge as I used what was to hand - flower pots, watering can, cafe table etc!!! The fish are quite used to this bother and usually hide deep in the bottom. I don't think he has had any luck so far.

 

If anyone thinks of anything else I would love to know! Beautiful birds but so persistant!

 

Thanks

[CatieB]

Hello my neighbour had the same problem and tried all the measures that you have mentioned. He now has a radio next to the pond constantly on and tuned to a talk channel so there are voices constantly. He has found it works for him but he lives rurally so won't disturb the neighbours.

 

Good luck