We are planning for a pond this spring/summer, for our little goldies. However, I have been reading a lot about how herons come to ponds and eat the fish.

Since we do not have a flat back yard, but in fact it is terraced with many large trees overhanging, we are wondering if this will deter herons. In fact, even though I feed birds, the area crows will NOT come to the back yard, because they prefer large fields to our sort of cramped back yard.

Does anybody think herons will be deterred? Or should I start dreaming up some kind of grate to go over the pond? Has anybody else taken this kind of "grate over the pond" approach?

Get the grate

most people build pond that the deepest level is about 4 feet long, the point was to prevent predator hurting the fish and koi, it's deep so they can retreat to the deep part. Also it's help because usually all the debrises settled down the the deepest part and that is where most people put a pump or drain.

Some people put a net over their pond just to be safe, the net will keep almost all predators away.

Yep I agree with Chubbygold many people build ponds either 4ft or deeper with lots of pond cover such as water lilies, rocks and other things for the fish to hide under. Another option is what many members do is to use a pond net you can get clear ones which are almost invisible unless you have your face up against the water lol

Will this pond be for fancy or single tailed goldies. Fancy goldfish do okay in ponds but are not the greatest pond fish commons and comets are the best

Oh i will pm a mod to move this to the pond section you will get better answers there.

Sorry I put it in the wrong forum, and thanks for straightening it all out.

I plan to put my two (aquarium-dwelling) comets in, and maybe add a few more comets. Would the fancier, long-tailed ones do ok?

I am worried a lot about pond depth here, as it gets cold in the witner. One is supposed to put a huge fence up if the pond is more than 2 feet deep, which would not look too pretty. I am actually wondering if a sort of fancy wrought-iron grate over it would prevent it from being a drowning hazard per the zoning commission, and also keep the herons out.

Any thoughts are welcome. I plan and dream of this pond daily, and as soon as the ground thaws, I'll be out there digging!

As far as herons, so much depends on what type you have. There are little ones and BIG ones. We have great blues here - and they are 5 feet tall plus. A 2-3 foot depth does not phase them in the least.

Big trees, do, however. The heron will walk all over the front yard, but the back, which is dotted with 100 year old oaks, is usually heron free. (Just as wonderful - we have NO Canadian geese in the back, either!!!! YEA!!)

I am NOT an outdoor pond expert. It is simply too cold here and there are too many predators for me to even consider trying it. BUT, I do know that many in the area have outdoor ponds - and, with a small heater and a fountain/filter, the fish are fine, even in shallower waters, down to -18 F or more (where the temp went this past weekend).

Most people do have to use nets to protect for maurading birds/raccoon/coyote, though. One splendid pond that I visited last summer had a nice fenced in area with a pretty wrought-iron fence. This kept out the coyote. A dog was commonly allowed the run of the area - greatly discouraging the coon, and the heron were kept out by various waving nets on poles -disguised amongst the tall flowers and blooming bushes. IT was a wonderful area.

Very interesting! I actually live across the street from a lake that in the past has had problems with too many Canada geese. There are also ducks over there, as well as herons, probably the large variety. On only one occasion I saw a duck at my backyard bird feeder, and NEVER any of the Canada geese. We do not have a flat yard by any means, and do have a number of huge trees, and I am HOPING this might deter the herons. A net seems important, too. Thanks!

well I think it's best if you put a net over it, It works great and keep alot of predators away.

about your yard, be sure to find a place that flat out even, also dont build it to close trees, you will go crazy when leaves fall into the pond, and dissolving its chemical. Not to mention, sometime roots growth can be a huge problem. Also so the pond can get enough sunlight, best if sunlight in the morning and abit in the evening, for both the pond and the plants in it. Try to find a place that is not 24 hours sunlight....that would fry your fish lol.

Best goldfish in pond are common, shubunkin, comet, they are fast and can get away from predator in time. They are more hardy so they can survive in cold weather better than fancy goldfish.

You know what they say... Build it and they will come. Haha the only way to protect your fish completely is a net. I have heard of cases where 5ft deep ponds still have problems. Stay away from shelves if you do not net and put in quite a few plants

If your pond is deep enough, you will be ok. My pond is about 3.5 ft deep. Couple of weeks back a heron is coming every day. Fortunately I did not lose a single fish. I have a few plastic flower pots with wholes cut in them in the pond. Those are placed upside down. So fishes can go and hide whenever they feel threatened. As a matter of fact my fishes are still spooked to come out in daytime. But I can see them coming out of hiding at night.

I am also installing "Scarecrow". It is a motion sensitive device which sprays water. You can look at amazon.com to find more about it. Only problem is you will need to have a constant flow of water from your garden hose. I tried connecting a pump instead of hose, that worked somewhat but not as well.

Good luck

We always use a net nowadays, because we have lost too many fish...

I have had some particularly bad experiences with the little blue herons. We've seen them stand at the edge of the pond, on the shore, and my friendly fish who were used to being fed at the top would come right up to them.

These herons were not scared away by a large pit bull in the backyard, either. They are bold and when they want fish, they get them.

I'm planning on putting some sort of firm chicken wire mesh over my small above ground pond to keep the bad guys out. It ruins the look of the pond, definitely, but is worth it to keep the fish safe.