keeping cats and raccoons out

[softturtle]

first off, is it above ground or in ground?

In ground ponds only have a few options. electric fence - net cover - motion squirters

Above ground has a few more- all of the above - 3' deep water - overhanging ledge (coons can't get a good position for fishing) - lower your water level (coons can't reach the water, although you might find a coon floating in your pond one morning)

You use one or a combonation of these and I think you'll have a better chance at keeping some of your fish. But having fish outside opens up all kinds of predatory problems so theres always a chance of loosing some animals.

 

[Bassman89]

a case of cold ones and a double barrel 12 gauge

 

[Aras118119]

Try putting small cups of household ammonia around the perimeter of the pond i have used it before when cats were bothering my pond and it worked within a few days.

 

[MikeVance]

Electric fence, but use a single strand around the perimeter, it will stay out of site and give any unwanted visitors a surprise. I wizzed on one when I was in high school(drunk and staggering); leaned against a post on my buddies farm and attempted to relieve myself Wow what a buzz kill.

 

[raven77]

cats? I never heard of cats bothering a pond...
(I am new though)

 

[amesbien]

I lost a beautiful orenji ogon butterfly koi to something overnight, basterds.

 

[dannyboy]

not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but a deer scarer?

those bamboo things that are water powered and found in ornamental japanese gardens

 

[blacksmith37]

Lots of great ideas; my $0.02. I have a serious electric fence; it does not keep out cats,racoons, armadillos, etc; coons may cross in the trees, others mostly go under. There are alway branchs falling on it , brush growing into it and draining some power (I have to "walk the line" every week). And deer running through it when it zings them.
However, I have lost many, many more fish to snakes than other perdators ( my yard is too wooded for air attack). How do you control snakes? I like the shotgun, but I think it would damage the liner .

 

[flagtail]

For cats try this, heard it works on racoons also.

2 parts cayenne pepper
3 parts dry mustard
5 parts flour

Simply mix together and sprinkle, around the pond.

Another method is go by your local sporting good store, and pick up some predator urine, and spray around also, i.e fox, coyote, wolf.....

Good luck

 

[kakojones]

If you can find it (not even sure if its on the market anywhere anymore) bob cat urine will keep most anything small and furry away, except of course other bobcats. If you find any, just put it around your pond. probably 5-10' away from the pond.