Getting Rid of Pigeons?

Col.Mastard

Is there anyway to get rid of pigeons from Gardens?

moonrakerz

There was a similar thread very recently; I suggested, tongue in cheek, an air rifle, this produced a response that pigeon shooting was illegal.
By the time I saw this response the the thread had been closed, so could I be so bold as to post details of the legal situation of shooting these PESTS.

"PIGEON SHOOTING AND THE LAW
Woodpigeon shooting is controlled by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Britain and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 in Northern Ireland. Woodpigeons may be killed or taken by authorised persons at all times. It is strictly prohibited to use any sound recording or live bird as a decoy. Currently woodpigeon shooting continues under an open general licence issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for England and Wales, the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department for Scotland and the Environment and Heritage Service for N. Ireland. No individual application is required for any licence.
In Britain the shooting of Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and the feral pigeon (Columba livia) is also permitted all year round but the Stock Dove (Columba oenas), Rock Dove (Columba livia) and Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) are all protected species and may not be shot at any time. In N. Ireland the Collared Dove is protected and no pigeons can be shot either at night or on Sundays. The legality of shooting pigeons in Scotland on Sundays remains unclear.
The Stock Dove is often mistakenly called the 'Blue Rock' and great care must be taken as these birds often fly with woodpigeons and come readily to decoys.
The feral pigeon is a direct descendent of the Rock Dove (which is usually only found on western coasts), and will be mainly seen close to urban areas.

Note: wild-living, former racing and homing pigeons often fly with feral pigeons but these birds are strictly protected. Whilst they normally have leg rings to show their ownership, identification in the field can be difficult so, if in doubt, do not shoot."

This means that if you are the legal owner of a firearm you can shoot (most) pigeons on sight !

savingsara_2

Col.Mastard wrote: »

Is there anyway to get rid of pigeons from Gardens?

I'll be watching this thread with interest, these blessed creatures are the bane of my life!

They eat all the food put out for smaller birds (even balancing on the feeder to do so!!) and crap everywhere - cars, washing, walls you name it outside, I've found pigeon poo!

An earlier thread suggested placing an owl decoy/garden ornament might scare them away from a specific place but I haven't tried it.

beaney50

There was a programme on Radio 4 this week which advised putting up balloons on which you draw eyes!!!. Might be worth a try

Nile

As this is a question about gardens, I'll move it to the 'Greenfingered' board.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Nile

Aldeney

If you put out seed Iv'e heard that seed which doesn't contain wheat can help to deter pigeons.

MrsTinks

Get 2 cats that love hunting and a hyperactive dog and the pidgeons will go and annoy your neighbours... worked for me

Alternatively catch them or shoot them and add them to your larder - if my neighbours weren't vegetatians I'd be trying to do that myself, but they are so nice and they get so upset even if I get pidgeon or rabbit from a farmer friend or pheasants - If they then hang in the back garden by the shed for half an hour whilst I gut them etc they get a little upset love them but sometimes i'd like to be able to not have to worry about plucking birds in my back garden

alanobrien

moonrakerz wrote: »

There was a similar thread very recently; I suggested, tongue in cheek, an air rifle, this produced a response that pigeon shooting was illegal.
By the time I saw this response the the thread had been closed, so could I be so bold as to post details of the legal situation of shooting these PESTS.

"PIGEON SHOOTING AND THE LAW
Woodpigeon shooting is controlled by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in Britain and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 in Northern Ireland. Woodpigeons may be killed or taken by authorised persons at all times. It is strictly prohibited to use any sound recording or live bird as a decoy. Currently woodpigeon shooting continues under an open general licence issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for England and Wales, the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department for Scotland and the Environment and Heritage Service for N. Ireland. No individual application is required for any licence.
In Britain the shooting of Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and the feral pigeon (Columba livia) is also permitted all year round but the Stock Dove (Columba oenas), Rock Dove (Columba livia) and Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) are all protected species and may not be shot at any time. In N. Ireland the Collared Dove is protected and no pigeons can be shot either at night or on Sundays. The legality of shooting pigeons in Scotland on Sundays remains unclear.
The Stock Dove is often mistakenly called the 'Blue Rock' and great care must be taken as these birds often fly with woodpigeons and come readily to decoys.
The feral pigeon is a direct descendent of the Rock Dove (which is usually only found on western coasts), and will be mainly seen close to urban areas.

Note: wild-living, former racing and homing pigeons often fly with feral pigeons but these birds are strictly protected. Whilst they normally have leg rings to show their ownership, identification in the field can be difficult so, if in doubt, do not shoot."

This means that if you are the legal owner of a firearm you can shoot (most) pigeons on sight !

Well our cat can't use a gun but she still manages to get rid of any that are not quick enough :eek:

Jayar

"Well our cat can't use a gun but she still manages to get rid of any that are not quick enough "


Lucky you, my cat just sits and watches them. Other cats, even dogs she chases away, but she seems mesmerised by pigeons.

olibearhorse

Jayar wrote: »

"Well our cat can't use a gun but she still manages to get rid of any that are not quick enough "


Lucky you, my cat just sits and watches them. Other cats, even dogs she chases away, but she seems mesmerised by pigeons.

mine too, they just chatter at them and swear the pigeon is flirting with them!

ILikeFreebies

I've heard mixed stories about hanging CDs. Some people sware by them, but I've been told that pigeons get used to them eventually. Apparently CDs by manufactured pop groups work best, the key change in Westlife songs shock the birds into flying away instantly