DIY Shishi Odoshi

I really like my mini pond. Pigeons like it too so I thought a Shishi Odoshi (Japanese for "scaredeer") could be a great solution to keep them away. In addition, it looks great.

You need

• 2 meter/6.5ft of bamboo (around 5cm/2inch thick)
• a small solar pump (you can get it here)
• silicone hose for the pump
• pivot rod
• strong glue (e.g. UHU Kraft)

By the way, there is a previous instructable of mine on how to build a mini pond.

First you need to cut the bamboo. I used a Japanese saw which made it easy. You need to cut

• 2 legs with the same length, the top is cut with a 45 degree angle
• 1 center tube with one end cut with a 45 degree angle; the node of the bamboo needs to be close to the middle of the tube to hold the water; it also needs to be slightly more next to the outlet as we will later on drill holes for the pivot rod
• 1 crosspiece, both ends are cut with a 45 degree angle; it should be slightly longer than both legs and the center tube

Next you need to insert the center tube using a pivot rod

• Drill a hole trough the center piece, it should be slightly off the middle in order to fill up with water before it tilts; make sure you do not drill trough the node of the bamboo, as it will hold the water
• Drill a hole in each leg to insert the pivot rod
• Finally test if the center piece will turn freely

Now you need to prepare the water supply

• Drill a hole on the bottom of one leg to insert the silicone hose; I used that side of the leg which faces towards the wall.
• Insert the silicone hose and pull it to the top
• Drill a hole in the middle of the crosspiece; insert the hose and push it through the hole;
• Now you can finish the frame and glue the legs and the crosspiece together. I have used UHU Kraft.
• The hose ends in a water spout, I have used bamboo to cover the hose;

• Fix the frame to your mini pond;
• Install the solar water pump in your pond. Cover the hose with plants and stones; Connect to the hose of the Shishi Odoshi;
• When the sun is shining, water should flow through the hose over the water spout into the centerpiece; after filling up, it should tilt.
• Tip: you can add weigth at the end of the centerpiece to control how much water is needed before tilting.

You are finished! Enjoy your beautiful mini pond with a Shishi Odoshi!