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Posts by peastick: |
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peastick Member Joined: 21 Mar 2005 No. of posts: 4  View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 21 Mar 2005
Topic: First frog spawn
Hi all, here in north Lincolnshire the frogs have been very active for several weeks. I have counted 22 frogs in my modest pond and I know there are others hidden from view. I guess there are at least 36. To date 10 clumps of spawn that is swelling up nicely. There is more to come too, judging by the 'embraced' couples. They are even into threesomes!. It is with regret that I found one dead frog, I assume the amorous males drowned her. It is the first fatality in 6years of having spawning activity, that I am aware of. My local park has seen a great influx of frogs though the pond area is not a good habitat for them. It is ornamental according to the council. No weed growth for the taddies and too open. Allowing local youngsters to collect frogs by the dozen. I know I could collect 50 or more in the space of half an hour. Several years ago I transferred spawn to the park pond and that resulted in it teeming with froglets, this year I am taking spawn out. It was extremely unpleasant to witness the local youths behaviour to our amphibians. Trying to educate them does little good and draws attention, relocation to the allotments is the order of the day. |
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peastick Member Joined: 21 Mar 2005 No. of posts: 4 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 26 Mar 2005
Topic: frog spawn
James, you are unlikely to damage well swelled up spawn, just try picking it up and see how much more comes with the little amount you intended!. You mention a tank, how big is it?. One cubic foot of water represents 6.25 gallons. If the tank is planted up with weed and sediment well in advance of introducing the spawn it should be good for bringing on a dozen taddies per cubic foot of water. As they grow you will nodoubt beaware they get carnivorous, I find crushed fish pellets and a tiny(size of your fingernail) bit of dog food now and then will satisfy them. Also leave the bloodworms, daphne and small snails in the tank. They are all part of the eco system. Once the legs of your froglets are growing and the tail is receding you need to consider letting them escape as naturally as possible. |
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peastick Member Joined: 21 Mar 2005 No. of posts: 4 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 26 Mar 2005
Topic: Why is there frog spawn everywhere?
Hi Stephen, I have never witnessed the spawning as it occurs but observation reveals clumps of spawn the size of a ping pong ball. Given time and some warm weather this can swell upto the size of a football. I guess it depends on the maturity of the frogs mating and their physical condition. It is not uncommon to find spawn in flooded tractor ruts or waterlogged grassland, bear in mind they have woken from their winter slumber and spawning is uppermost. Once that is dealt with the frogs will resume a land existence and seek out food. |
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peastick Member Joined: 21 Mar 2005 No. of posts: 4 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 26 Mar 2005
Topic: Decrease in tadpoles
I think you have answerred your own question, 'lots of goldfish'. A 4" goldfish can easily consume ten or more taddies per day. Other predators within the pond can match any goldfish, for instance great diving beetles or dragonfly larvae.
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- Posts by peastick |