1:00 AM 28th December 2024
nature
How To Pigeon-Proof Your Garden And Still Feed Other Birds
![Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay]()
Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay
Pigeons can be a common issue for bird feeders as they eat food quickly, leaving feeders empty and needing constant refilling. Their presence can also discourage smaller birds from visiting, as their bigger size can make them intimidating.
Wildlife expert Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies shares common ways bird feeders can prevent pigeons from taking over their garden while still attracting smaller birds.
How to stop pigeons feeding without scaring off smaller birds
Adding seed trays to feeders helps reduce dropped seeds, which often attract pigeons to the ground. Getting bird feeder cages also means that small birds can reach the food while excluding larger birds like pigeons.
Fallen seed is a major attraction for pigeons and other pests, such as rats. Adding seed catchers beneath feeders helps stop seeds from reaching the ground. It’s also important to regularly clean up any remaining food to keep your garden tidy and free from unwanted visitors.
Food choices to deter pigeons
Pigeons have preferences when it comes to food, so choosing options like nyjer seed, suet balls, or sunflower hearts can make feeders less appealing to them. This gives smaller birds a better chance to enjoy the food on offer.
Pigeon proof feeder designs
Feeders designed to keep pigeons away often feature vertical or angled surfaces that pigeons struggle to grip. Pigeons are not as agile as smaller birds, so creating feeding spaces with uneven or narrow perches can make a big difference in keeping them at bay.
If you want to do both
If you want to feed pigeons without excluding smaller birds, consider setting up separate feeding areas. Ground feeders with high-cereal seed mixes are ideal for pigeons, while smaller, more protected feeders can be reserved for smaller species. This allows all birds to enjoy your garden without competing for food.