Frog problems

For many years my pond has been totally full of frogs at this time of the year, but last year there were only a few and they didn't spawn well.

Dont see hardly any this year, but saw one today.

it appears to have some kind of growth??

Just seems a shame they have all gone these days.

 

That is bad news Pete,I remember seeing your pond with swarms of frogs and spawn.
Perhaps they are all still asleep at the bottom.
I would fish the one in the picture out for inspection.........if it's suffering you know what to do.

No sign of ours yet,they usually spawn end of March.

 

OK Roders, so you think there is still time.

I have had a heron around here, possibly when I'm at work.
So I have put a few large plants in pots around the edges, hoping to put it off.

 

Poor thing! Is it a growth?

I seem to recall when I was in my last house (with a lovely big pond) I came across a frog with a similar looking 'abnormality'. But, it wasn't a growth, it was an injury.

 

Could it be the heron had had a go at it?

 

Quite possibly.

I know you say you have put pots around the edge of the pond ... maybe you could use them to also attach a continuous wire around the pond (I think about a foot high) because I know that is a heron deterrent.

 

A couple of the pots contain yuccas, even a heron wont want to tangle with them, put a few boards there as well.

Basically it looks like a junk yard, but if it works for now then it will be ok.

I find once the trees get leaves and things fill out, the herons tend to avoid my pond as these days its quite inclosed.

 

Our pond on the sunny side of garden is full of spawn but theres nothing in the shady one yet.
Found this article but cant see a date on it..http://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/Unusual Frog Mortality

 

I cant remember the name of it but there was a disease in S America I think that is spreading worldwide killing all frogs. It may have stopped already,just dont know.

Just googled it ; http://www.savethefrogs.com/threats/chytrid/?gclid=CMzh8ciJvMsCFfMW0wodkYoFbA

 

Just been outside and there are some frogs croaking away, so maybe I was expecting too much too early.
Dont think there is anything like the quantity of frogs there as normal though.

 

They will come Pete,the last 2 days here ive seen loads! but last week was sparce even thou some spawn was there x