Last week we saw a racoon on the deck, near our 30 gal whiskey barrel with 3 Shibunkins. I didn't think too much about it because there is a large concrete block inside for the fish to shelter in, but today there are no fish and scales all over the deck. I'm mad at myself because I should have been concerned. Now we won't get more fish until spring, but what types of covers can we use to prevent this from happening again? I have heard bird netting, but isn't that too flimsy? What about chicken wire, unsightly as it is? I'll consider all suggestions.

We have had 2 of the fish for over 4 years, and have never had any problems. In fact, have never seen a racoon until last week. I know they have to eat too, but why MY fish?

Unfortantly that is one of the things that can happen when you keep fish outside. So sorry for your lose. Not sure what you can do to keep the racoons out. Maybe one of the pond people can give you some ideas.

Oh no!! That is awful and I'm sorry. I've lost fish to birds before and know how sad that is.

I keep the bird netting over my pond but again, we don't have raccoons there and I don't think that would keep them out. I would suggest the chicken wire only because it is more sturdy and raccoons are pretty sneaky. You would just need to make sure it's carefully secured over the pond so they can't reach through to the water, too.

A barrel should be easier to secure than a large, in-ground pond. Anyway, better luck in the spring.

This is something I'm already worrying about in the future...My yard has 30 something tree's and we rent at the moment so it's going to be an above the ground pond until we move. An adult male racoon can weigh as much as 60 pounds! I've actually witnessed the little creeps working in tandem/problem solving to undo bungee cords on my garbage pails. They each pulled and prodded taking turns until they were able to remove the cords and open them.

Make sure whatever netting/wire you use is weighted down well enough that they can't get into it. I wish I had more to offer...I'm so sorry about the loss of your fish!

I just had an idea! My last apartment was connected to my landlords and somehow squirrels got into the attic. I ended up with a few in my apartment. Because I didn't want to kill the squirrels I went out and got this small device that when plugged in emits a sound that is supposed to drive the squirrels away. It was a very low frequency so it didn't bother me. You may drive away squirrels and racoons so I'm not sure if you'd want to use it outdoors but it may be worth a look. I believe they were made by a company called Victor.

My father keeps a small BB gun in a drawer in the kitchen.. if you have small children around, it might not be ideal, but it startles away bluejays and deer without harming them.

He's getting to be a pretty decent shot, besides which.. Not that he's ever pumped it to be powerful enough to harm an animal, to my knowledge.

It probably isn't the only solution, but it might help to supplement whichever methods you try?

Sorry to hear about your shubunkins Your best bet is an outside dog However if that's not an option, there's a device called a scare-a-crow that is motion sensored and shoots water at whatever it detects. It's good for all kinds of pests around a pond. They're kind of expensive but supposed to be very good.

We once stayed at a fancy beach house that had a stunning waterfall/creek/pond display in their front yard. His solution to protect the comets was . . . . . drum roll please . . . . deeper water! The pond area was at least 3 feet deep, and the fish couldn't get into the creek area. The deep water would deter the racoons, he explained to me, even tho they could see them swimming around down there.

I use chicken wire cages over the tops of my outdoor "ponds" Actually, now that I think about it, I use 2x4 welded wire fencing that's been doubled-up one time. It's more rigid.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! Since we aren't getting more fish until spring, I'll have the better part of the winter to mull these suggeations over. I think the bb gun is out of the question, but I like the thought! I wish we had deeper water, and an outdoor dog (I'd settle for any dog but hat's another story) so I will have to consider the other alternatives. thanks again.