Common frogs

KatTai said:

Would there be any chance you could leaving it a while?  It shouldn't be too long before they will be coming out of hibernation and moving off to their breeding ponds and that will leave the area frog-free. They usually emerge from hibernation by late Feburary.

If not then yes, I think relocating them to a hedgerow would be the best idea.  Make sure the area is damp and that they are protected from late frosts.  If you can collect branches and leaves, pile them up and create a space in the centre for the frogs and make sure they are well-covered.  A ceramic plant-pot would also help create a warm, safe hiding place in the centre of the pile.  The most important thing is to ensure that they are protected from any sudden cold spells.  Avoid moving them when there is a dramatic temperature change between the sites otherwise the shock of the sudden cold could kill them.

Hi KatTai,

Thanks for the response.  I discovered the frogs before Christmas and though I have moved all the rubbish into skips I have left an area of large flats stones,  woodens slats and a piece of old lino covering the site.  I don't have a pond but the area I was thinking to move then to is exactly what you described as being suitable.  I have a large pile of hedge and tree branches piled up to create a "hyde" for all sorts of creatures to be attracted to.  This is alongside the hedge and I was thinking of making  a small shelter using natural stone.  The area may be quite dry outside the winter/spring seasons.  Food for thought.

Thanks

Mark

Hi Mark,

The frogs will move to ponds to breed over the next couple of months, though afterwards some may return to the garden area if the habitat is suitable while others may remain by the water until it is time to hibernate.  Provided there is a big enough pile of branches the bottom should stay damp unless the summer gets really dry and the natural stone shelter would be a great idea not only for the frog but the invertebrates they like to eat also. 

best of luck with your frogs,

Kat

Thanks for all the info KatTai.  I've managed to push an old earthenware pipe (half section) into the wood pile and I've erected a stone shelter from the end of it to the hedge.  A nice safe secure for them to live, providing they stay.  No doubt something will live there.  Perhaps me if I'm in the doghouse for some reason.

Thanks

Mark

Hi Mark,

Sounds great!  I'm sure if the habitat  is right the frogs will return once they have finished the important business of breeding!

Kat

mreesholu said:

Thanks for all the info KatTai.  I've managed to push an old earthenware pipe (half section) into the wood pile and I've erected a stone shelter from the end of it to the hedge.  A nice safe secure for them to live, providing they stay.  No doubt something will live there.  Perhaps me if I'm in the doghouse for some reason.

Thanks

Mark

 

 

LOL! I too have found frogs in my garden and wondered what to do with them, and their spawn. It always makes me feel sad.

Sound advice as ever KatTai! :-)