Dam those pesky pigeons, they need to go!

[Paulbav]

Aghh I need help, we have just finished installing a decked area and nice new lawn around and under a large oak tree at the bottom of our garden. The problem is it is not only us enjoying it, it seems as soon as a few leaves appeared on the tree the fecking pigeons moved in and they are not just scrawney little fkers but the size of an average frozen chicken! and take great pleasure in stting all over the place! On the decking it's a pain in the arse but after an hour of jet washing that’s sorted (for now) but the lawn is a different matter, it's covered in crap and looks as if it may be killing the new turf. Can anyone suggest a way to get the pigeons to move on without necessarily killing the buggers (neighbors to think of and a wife to keep happy plus I'm a bit of a soft lad) but they have got to go!! I really don't fancy being shat on while enjoying a in the sun, would the council be able to do anything as it must be a health issue? Anyway I'm sure a few on here will have a suggestion or two on how to get rid, so I await the answer.

Cheers

Paul

[steve.c]

Try one of these...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DECOY-CAT-OWL-REPELLER-POND-...

[JustinP1]

Along the same lines you could try a cutout shape of a buzzard. Either sat somewhere or a silhouette on a stick on your roof.

That will probably mean your garden is devoid of birds totally however as it not just a dislike of the shape it is an innate response to take flight.

[Marf]

Paulbav said:

without necessarily killing the buggers (neighbors to think of and a wife to keep happy plus I'm a bit of a soft lad) but they have got to go!!

Pffff they're just rats with wings.



You know it makes sense, just make sure the pellets land within your boundaries.

[jkennyd]

Marf is on the ball there. Shoot the buggers

[Funk]

Don't bother with the plastic owl, it doesn't work.

Plus I got the piss taken last time I posted up about pigeons and seagulls stting all over my car.

[bazking69]

Bicarb of soda and water mix. Drop slices of bread in it like you would if you were doing eggy bread. Leave out on the decking.
Pigeons can't fart or burp, so they just blow up. Simples.

[Roger645]

Given the size sounds like they are wood pigeons (white marking on neck) which means they are game and not vermin. If they are nesting then by law you can't move them.

You can shoot them, but you need to be a competent shooter to take them out cleanly. Try the BASC (http://www.basc.org.uk/) for advice on the best way to get rid of them.

[Steamer]

This little gizmo did the trick for me - only used it for a few months when the little feckers were having a poop-fest above me car!

silent bird scarer

[deviant]

Steamer said:

This little gizmo did the trick for me - only used it for a few months when the little feckers were having a poop-fest above me car!

silent bird scarer

Doesnt that wind the local dogs up?

[lowdrag]

I use a .22 with long cartridges, scope and silencer. They don't hear it coming! Here in France I wanted to buy a .410 shotgun but that needed a hunting licence as it was dangerous. Sold me the .22 though with only proof of identity. Strange laws?

[Steamer]

deviant said:

Steamer said:

This little gizmo did the trick for me - only used it for a few months when the little feckers were having a poop-fest above me car!

silent bird scarer

Doesnt that wind the local dogs up?

No I dont think so - the range isnt massive, I was using it to keep them out of the tree I parked under - roughly 15/ 20m away from my window.

I think its on a different frequency to dogs ears too.

[Funk Odyssey]

if you really must shoot them -- eat them --



and I might just know of a BSA Supersport .22 with scope for sale

[Roger645]

lowdrag said:

I use a .22 with long cartridges, scope and silencer. They don't hear it coming! Here in France I wanted to buy a .410 shotgun but that needed a hunting licence as it was dangerous. Sold me the .22 though with only proof of identity. Strange laws?

What you using, tried a friends Browning LC .22 and it was a really nice gun, light and really quiet. We took some rabbits and they didn't realise what was happening due to the lack of noise.

[Roger645]

Funk Odyssey said:

if you really must shoot them -- eat them --



and I might just know of a BSA Supersport .22 with scope for sale

Yes, the breast is the only bit worth having, but very nice and easy to remove.

[Paulbav]

Well I finally bit the bullet and mustered all of my courage to get rid of the pigeons!!



















I went to B&Q and bought a fake owl (Barney) Doh! I will let you know how he does

Cheers

Paul

[Paulbav]

Funk said:

Don't bother with the plastic owl, it doesn't work.

Plus I got the piss taken last time I posted up about pigeons and seagulls stting all over my car.

Why oh why did I not listen!!!

[lowdrag]

Ah, plastic pigeons too

[Don]

http://www.trapman.co.uk/feral-pigeon-trap.htm

Make sure you send your wife into the house when you take them out and do them in if she's not a country girl.

Kill 'em humanely - a broken neck is the quickest way. If you've not done it before REALLY make sure the Mrs is in the house - they flap like buggery.

And don't waste 'em. They are nice to eat.

[pokethepope]

Lay those spikes they put on building ledges all over your decking. I can't see any issues with this plan.