The Ultimate Guide to Keep Pigeons Away from Your Bird Feeders

How to Keep Pigeons Away from Bird Feeders

Pigeons are a common problem for bird enthusiasts, as they can quickly overwhelm bird feeders and scare away other birds. There are a number of things you can do to keep pigeons away from your feeders, including:

Use a cage-type feeder. These feeders have small holes that allow smaller birds to enter, but are too small for pigeons.
Place your feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach. This could be on a high pole or in a tree.
Remove any food that spills around the feeders. This will help to reduce the number of pigeons that are attracted to your yard.
Use a decoy owl or hawk. These predators will scare away pigeons and other birds.
Apply a pigeon repellent. These products are available at most hardware stores.

By following these tips, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

How to Keep Pigeons Away from Bird Feeders

Keeping pigeons away from bird feeders is essential for the health and safety of other birds. Pigeons can carry diseases that can be transmitted to other birds, and they can also be aggressive towards smaller birds. There are a number of ways to keep pigeons away from bird feeders, including:

Location: Place bird feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach, such as on a high pole or in a tree.
Type of feeder: Use a cage-type feeder with small holes that allow smaller birds to enter but are too small for pigeons.
Food: Remove any spilled food from around the feeders to reduce the number of pigeons that are attracted to your yard.
Deterrents: Apply a pigeon repellent to the feeders or use a decoy owl or hawk to scare away pigeons.
Exclusion: Cover the feeders with a net or screen to keep pigeons out.
Habitat modification: Remove any potential nesting sites for pigeons, such as ledges or beams.
Trapping: As a last resort, you can trap pigeons and relocate them to a different area.

By following these tips, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Location

One of the most effective ways to keep pigeons away from bird feeders is to place the feeders in a location that is difficult for them to reach. Pigeons are not good climbers, so placing feeders on a high pole or in a tree will help to deter them. You can also place feeders in a sheltered area, such as under a roof or in a gazebo, to make it even more difficult for pigeons to access them.

Height: Pigeons are not strong fliers, so placing feeders at least 6 feet off the ground will make it difficult for them to reach. You can use a shepherd’s hook or a tree branch to hang feeders from.
Distance from cover: Pigeons like to perch on high places, so placing feeders away from trees, shrubs, and other structures will make it less likely that they will be able to land near the feeders.
Visibility: Pigeons are wary of open spaces, so placing feeders in a location where they have a clear view of their surroundings will make them less likely to approach.

By following these tips, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Type of feeder

Cage-type feeders are an effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders because they have small holes that allow smaller birds to enter but are too small for pigeons. This type of feeder is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most hardware stores or online retailers.

Keeps pigeons out: The small holes in cage-type feeders prevent pigeons from entering, while still allowing smaller birds to access the food.
Durable: Cage-type feeders are typically made of metal or plastic, which makes them durable and weather-resistant.
Easy to clean: Cage-type feeders are easy to clean by simply removing the top and rinsing it out with water.

By using a cage-type feeder, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Food

Keeping the area around your bird feeders clean of spilled food is an important part of pigeon control. Pigeons are attracted to food, and if they find a reliable source of food at your feeders, they will keep coming back. By removing spilled food, you can make your yard less attractive to pigeons and encourage them to find food elsewhere.

Reduces the amount of food available to pigeons: When you remove spilled food from around your feeders, you are reducing the amount of food that is available to pigeons. This makes your yard less attractive to pigeons and encourages them to find food elsewhere.
Prevents pigeons from getting used to finding food at your feeders: If pigeons find food at your feeders on a regular basis, they will become accustomed to finding food there. This can make it difficult to deter them from coming back, even if you remove the food source.
Prevents the spread of diseases: Spilled food can attract other animals, such as rats and mice. These animals can carry diseases that can be transmitted to birds. By removing spilled food, you can help to prevent the spread of diseases to your birds.

By keeping the area around your bird feeders clean of spilled food, you can help to keep pigeons away from your feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Deterrents

Using deterrents is an effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. Pigeon repellents are available in a variety of forms, including sprays, granules, and gels. These products typically contain ingredients that pigeons find unpleasant, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil. Decoy owls and hawks are also effective deterrents, as pigeons are natural predators of these birds.

Pigeon Repellents:

Pigeon repellents are chemical deterrents that can be applied to bird feeders or the surrounding area to deter pigeons from landing or feeding. These repellents typically contain ingredients that are unpleasant to pigeons, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil. Pigeon repellents are available in a variety of forms, including sprays, granules, and gels.
Decoy Owls and Hawks:

Decoy owls and hawks are physical deterrents that can be placed in or near bird feeders to scare away pigeons. These decoys are designed to resemble real owls or hawks, which are natural predators of pigeons. Decoy owls and hawks can be an effective deterrent, as pigeons are wary of these birds and will avoid areas where they are present.

By using deterrents, you can make your bird feeders less attractive to pigeons and encourage them to find food elsewhere.

Exclusion

Exclusion is a method of keeping pigeons away from bird feeders by creating a physical barrier that prevents them from accessing the food. This can be done by covering the feeders with a net or screen. Exclusion is a humane and effective way to deter pigeons without harming them.

Using a Net

A net is a simple and effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. Simply drape the net over the feeder and secure it with bungee cords or zip ties. The mesh of the net should be small enough to prevent pigeons from getting their heads through, but large enough to allow smaller birds to access the food.
Using a Screen

A screen can also be used to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. Screens are typically made of metal or plastic and have a mesh that is too small for pigeons to fit through. Screens can be attached to the feeder using screws or bolts.
Effectiveness

Exclusion is a very effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. Once the feeders are covered, pigeons will not be able to access the food, and they will eventually move on to other food sources.
Benefits

There are many benefits to using exclusion to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. First, exclusion is a humane way to deter pigeons. Unlike traps or poisons, exclusion does not harm pigeons. Second, exclusion is a very effective way to keep pigeons away from feeders. Third, exclusion is a relatively inexpensive way to deter pigeons.

If you are having problems with pigeons getting into your bird feeders, exclusion is a safe and effective way to keep them out.

Habitat modification

Habitat modification involves altering the environment to make it less suitable for pigeons. One way to do this is to remove any potential nesting sites for pigeons, such as ledges or beams. Removing potential nesting sites discourages pigeons from staying in an area, thereby reducing the number of pigeons that are attracted to bird feeders.

Reduced access to nesting sites: By removing potential nesting sites, such as ledges and beams, you make it more difficult for pigeons to establish and maintain nesting colonies in your area. This reduces the overall pigeon population, which in turn reduces the number of pigeons that are attracted to bird feeders.
Discouraging pigeons from roosting: Pigeons often roost on ledges and beams before and after feeding. Removing these potential roosting sites makes your property less attractive to pigeons, which reduces the number of pigeons that visit your bird feeders.
Improved sanitation: Removing potential nesting sites also helps to improve sanitation in your area. Pigeons can carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. By removing nesting sites, you reduce the risk of these diseases and parasites being spread.

Overall, habitat modification is an effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. By removing potential nesting sites, you can discourage pigeons from staying in your area and reduce the number of pigeons that are attracted to your bird feeders.

Trapping

Trapping is a method of capturing pigeons that can be used as a last resort to keep them away from bird feeders. Trapping is typically used when other methods, such as exclusion and deterrents, have failed to keep pigeons away from feeders. Trapping is a controversial method, as it can be stressful for the pigeons and may not be effective in the long term.

Effectiveness: Trapping can be an effective way to remove pigeons from an area, but it is not a long-term solution. Once the trapped pigeons are removed, other pigeons may move into the area and begin feeding at the bird feeders. Additionally, trapping can be time-consuming and expensive.
Humanity: Trapping can be a stressful experience for pigeons. Pigeons are social animals and being trapped can cause them distress. Additionally, trapped pigeons may be injured or killed if they are not handled properly.
Legality: In some areas, it is illegal to trap pigeons. Before trapping pigeons, it is important to check the local laws and regulations.

Overall, trapping is a controversial method of keeping pigeons away from bird feeders. It is important to weigh the effectiveness, humanity, and legality of trapping before using this method.

FAQs on How to Keep Pigeons Away from Bird Feeders

Keeping pigeons away from bird feeders can be a challenge, but there are a number of effective methods that can be used. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about keeping pigeons away from bird feeders:

Question 1: What is the most effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders?

There is no single most effective way to keep pigeons away from bird feeders, but a combination of methods is usually most successful. Some effective methods include using cage-type feeders, placing feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach, and using pigeon repellents.

Question 2: Are there any humane ways to keep pigeons away from bird feeders?

Yes, there are a number of humane ways to keep pigeons away from bird feeders. Some humane methods include using cage-type feeders, placing feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach, and using pigeon repellents. Trapping and relocating pigeons is also a humane option, but it is important to check the local laws and regulations before doing so.

Question 3: What are some common mistakes people make when trying to keep pigeons away from bird feeders?

Some common mistakes people make when trying to keep pigeons away from bird feeders include using ineffective methods, such as using fake owls or hawks, and not being consistent with their efforts. It is important to use a variety of effective methods and to be consistent with their use in order to be successful in keeping pigeons away from bird feeders.

Question 4: Can I use my own homemade pigeon repellent?

There are a number of recipes for homemade pigeon repellents available online. However, it is important to note that not all homemade pigeon repellents are effective. Some homemade pigeon repellents may also be harmful to birds or other animals. It is best to use a commercial pigeon repellent that has been proven to be effective and safe.

Question 5: How can I prevent pigeons from nesting on my property?

To prevent pigeons from nesting on your property, you should remove any potential nesting sites, such as ledges or beams. You should also seal up any holes or cracks in your home or other structures where pigeons could nest.

Question 6: What should I do if I have a pigeon problem that I can’t solve on my own?

If you have a pigeon problem that you can’t solve on your own, you should contact a professional pest control company. A professional pest control company will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action to take.

Summary: Keeping pigeons away from bird feeders can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right methods. By using a combination of effective methods, you can keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Next Steps: If you are having problems with pigeons getting into your bird feeders, there are a number of things you can do to keep them out. Start by trying some of the methods described in this article. If you are still having problems, you may need to contact a professional pest control company.

Tips to Keep Pigeons Away from Bird Feeders

Pigeons can be a nuisance to bird enthusiasts, as they can quickly overwhelm bird feeders and scare away other birds. There are a number of things you can do to keep pigeons away from your feeders, including:

Use a cage-type feeder. These feeders have small holes that allow smaller birds to enter, but are too small for pigeons.
Place your feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach. This could be on a high pole or in a tree.
Remove any food that spills around the feeders. This will help to reduce the number of pigeons that are attracted to your yard.
Use a decoy owl or hawk. These predators will scare away pigeons and other birds.
Apply a pigeon repellent. These products are available at most hardware stores.
Cover the feeders with a net or screen. This will prevent pigeons from landing on the feeders.
Remove any potential nesting sites for pigeons, such as ledges or beams.
Trapping and relocating pigeons can be a humane option, but it’s important to check local laws and regulations.

By following these tips, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

Conclusion

Pigeons can be a nuisance to bird enthusiasts, as they can quickly overwhelm bird feeders and scare away other birds. There are a number of effective methods that can be used to keep pigeons away from bird feeders, including using cage-type feeders, placing feeders in a location that is difficult for pigeons to reach, and using pigeon repellents. By using a combination of these methods, you can help to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

It is important to note that there is no single, foolproof method for keeping pigeons away from bird feeders. However, by using a combination of effective methods, you can make your bird feeders less attractive to pigeons and encourage them to find food elsewhere. With a little effort, you can keep pigeons away from your bird feeders and enjoy the company of other birds.

The Ultimate Guide to Keep Pigeons Away from Your Bird Feeders