When to replace frog pond-liner?

[WPG]

We have quite a large frog pond, and the liner really needs to be replaced - it's got a puncture and needs constant topping up (it's a PVC liner, at least 20 years old).

What I'm not sure about is what's the best time of year to do this with least disruption to the frogs. I think they're hibernating in the mud at the bottom of the pond at the moment. Then around February time they usually start spawning.

I'm thinking maybe I should leave it until they've all spawned but before the tadpoles have hatched, so that I could rescue the spawn. Or would I be better to replace the liner now before they start spawning (would the frogs survive coming out of hibernation so early?)

Or is there a better time of year, like autumn when the tadpoles have turned into mini-frogs?

[Bill HH]

I would have thought now is a bad time, let them have their lie in, then to do it when they are spawning would be a bad time too, so maybe after the tadpoles have hatched if you save most of the water and tadpoles would be agood time or preferably even a little later.

[alldigging]

You could take spawn out and keep it in buckets whilst you swap the liner. Depends how big a job it is - if you can get it done in a weekend then that's probably a better idea than spending the summer topping the pond up.

[WPG]

Thanks for the advice. Depending on the weather they've usually finished spawning by March, so I'll wait till then.

[andy_j]

The frogs won't be in the bottom of the pond for a few weeks yet....usually february time. They'll all be in the garden hiding under rocks and vegitation etc.

So therefore you can either do it now or in late summer once all the froglets have left. Personally, i'd do it now but make sure you have everything in place and are well organised. Should only take a day.

Good luck

[Olorin2001]

I would do it late summer when the froglets have left, the weather will be warmer, and the pond then has a chance to mature before the spring, for the balance of nature to be restored, all the beetles, bugs and microbes essential for a good wildlife pond.