How to deter pigeons

[REWD]

The wild bird food we put down attracts so many pigeons that smaller birds are driven away, what can we do to  stop them.

[smudge]

We used to have the same problem with pigeons until we bought lots of cage type squirrel proof bird feeders. The pigeons are too podgy & heavy to hold on & feed from them!

[Tiesto]

If you live in America, I'd probably speak to the N.R.A!

[Cetti]

They are a pest, but my husband made a barrier that goes around the base of the birdtable and comes half way up using  2 large squares deep of plastic coated green fencing with just the base secured, so if any pigeons decide to try their luck they won't be harmed.

[kookiandmojo]

uuummm i'm not being funny or anything but what is wrong with feeding pigeons anyway? they are birds afterall and they need food too!! i work in a pet food shop and the amount of people that want the crule feeders that stop poor little squirrels from getting some food is ridiclus! it's survival of the fittest!!

[booksworth]

"Poor little squirrels" my foot! The awful grey ones here have driven the native reds away. The only possible reason for feeding them is to stop them chewing the wiring in the loft.

[FP]

I don't think the grey squirrels did it intentionally though - it's not their fault.  And pigeons hardly mean to make people angry and contemptous.  I'm with kookiandmojo on this one, and I know we are very much in the minority.  Anyone's welcome at my birdfeeders.  Our Wood Pigeons are more often than not chased away by the ring necked doves! 

[booksworth]

I suppose I am being a bit harsh, but the street trees here are full of things that squirrels could eat if they weren't so lazy, and which the songbirds cannot eat. Perhaps if the squirrels stole less food at ground level they would be fit enough to climb the trees.

[smudge]

I adore all birds, including pigeons & also squirrels, but have to put down separate food for them in dishes. The reason being, is that I have watched the squirrels gnawing & gnawing at the wire bird feeders until all the nuts fall out, they then sit & gorge on them, then they bury the rest all over the garden. We have a pair of resident pigeons, a pair of resident ring doves & all the squirrels know where to come for their daily treats. The squirrel proof feeders, are purely for the little ones to eat their dinner in peace - ah!

[Marvin84]

If you want to attract wild birds...Plant the trees that produce their food..... In Australia, the native trees like grevillia and bottle brush seem to bring in all the lovely parrots for their evening meal!

[Marvin84]

(sorry for 2 postings) you probably shouldn't feed them bird food as it discourages them from finding their own... also if it is the wrong type of food, it can cause a myriad of health problems for the birds you're trying to attract. I live next to a national park and the rangers are always sending letters advising of things like this, so please be careful!

[FP]

I presume you live in Australia, Marvin84.  Here in the UK we are being encouraged to feed the wild birds all year round as so many species have become threatened due to intensive farming and chemicals, amongst other things. 

 

I have planted out my very large garden specifically to attract wildlife and also leave lots weeds to flourish for the same reason.  As a reward we are now housing loads of tree sparrows and I am thrilled, as these were becoming quite scarce in some areas.

 

The Australian birds are fantastic.  I spent a month with my aunt in New South Wales a couple of years ago and the birds are the thing that remain in my mind more than anything else.  It was just like Paradise to me!

[FP]

Smudge, I knew you would like pigeons, I just knew.

[smudge]

FakePlastic - I was hoping you would read my 2nd reply, as I would never shooo away any birds from our garden!

 

Marvin84 - We will never forget our trip to NSW or Perth WA either - fantastic holidays! In England, the greenbelt areas, hedgerows & countryside in general, are gradually being eroded by developers, building housing & industrial estates, etc., therefore, the birds & other wildlife are losing some of their natural habitats. We as bird lovers, do read up on the do's & don'ts, in respect of feeding & caring for the birds. We have quite a few trees in our garden, one of which is an Elderberry & they just love them, as there is usually purple poo splodges on my washing in the summer! We have plenty of Finches, all kinds of the Tit family, Owls & even Great Spotted Woodpeckers. I could go on & on. Thank you for your concern & we hope one day to revisit Australia - you lucky person!   

[Marvin84]

jee, I didn't realise how many AB'ers Luv Australia and it's wildlife.... Well you're all invited over for a beer.... a proper COLD beer that is, to watch our lovely lorikeets and squaking Cockatoos!!!

:-)