How to Stop Cranes From Taking Koi Fish

Koi are a popular species of carp that will provide your pond with color and life. Unfortunately they are also popular with every pond's enemy: the crane. If your don't protect your pond adequately, you could find your koi numbers dwindling dramatically. One of the best ways to counteract the threat of the crane is by digging a deep pond, but of course if you already have the pond, that is not a realistic option. Instead you can cover the pond's surface with pond netting, circle its perimeter with fishing line, place a crane decoy at the pond's edge, or install a scarecrow system. All viable options to keep your koi safe.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish line
  • Pond netting
  • Crane decoy
  • Scarecrow motion activated sprinkler
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the pond netting six inches above the surface of the pond. The netting needs to be taut so the crane can not spear a koi fish through the net's holes.

    • 2

      Place a life-size model of a crane next to the pond. If a crane thinks it is the real thing, it will not approach the pond.

    • 3

      Set up a fish line around the pond's perimeter about six inches above the pond's surface. A crane usually wades rather than dives into a pond and a fish line will prevent it from walking any further.

    • 4

      Dig a deep pond. The deeper the koi are in the water, the harder it is for the crane to catch them. Of course, this is much more easily done during initial construction.

    • 5

      Guard the pond with a dog. If you have a dog, one of the easiest methods is to let it run around the garden. It will naturally bark at most large birds, scaring them away.

    • 6

      Install a mini scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler. You can buy one of these at your local garden center. When any animal comes close, it spits out a jet of water, scaring them away.