Pond

A few weeks ago our garden pond was full of frogs, resulting in quite a lot of frogspawn.  Over the past two days I have discovered two dead frogs, and the spawn is disintegrating.  The water has a slight film on the top of it.  What might this be due to, and how do I sort out the problem?

A.Cheltenham

we have an oily greyish film now and again, it is from the dratted pigeons bathing in it! It clears within a day. But as have no frogs yet can't say whether it would affect them but seriously doubt it? Have you got something elsewhere which could be washing off into the pond?

Might be worth while investing in  a ph taesting kit and diesase testing kit available from most aquactic centres to se if you have a problem. It is a poor year for frogs, i dont know why but have heard a lot of people commentin on both lack of frogs and spawn

Do you have ducks in the area? We have had a pair of Mallards visit early in the morning, they leave a dusty film on the surface of the pond. It clears after a shower but returns if the ducks do.

If the frogs laid their eggs a few weeks ago your spawn will be hatching. If there is no sign of tiny tadpoles and the spawn looks like it has been disturbed, look for newts, they eat tadpoles.