Pigeon Problems

[Pumpkin_king]

I know this may be a stupid question, but as a newbie to allotment gardening I think I can get away with it!

I have an infestation of wood pigeons on my plot! They live in the trees that run alongside our stream and have decimated all of my crops. At first it was just an attack on my cabbages, however they’ve now managed to find their way through my netting and have eaten the lot. When I went down this morning they had eaten all of my beans and peas and were making a start on my beetroot and chard! If they carry on at this rate I’ll literally have nothing left come July!

The only thing they haven’t touched is my potatoes and onion crops. I’ve tried hanging CD’s and a scare crow bit neither have worked. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do?

Thanks

Neil

[binley100]

We have pigeon problems as well . Our brassica bed is covered with debris netting , the runners have netting over them , wind chimes and big windmill things. Short of shooting them I don't think theres any foolproof method to keep them out.
I've got some big ostrich feathers and am now thinking if I can make a big bird to see if that works.

[Flummery]

Our plots are similarly plagued. We all grow brassicas under home-made cages of wooden frames covered with wire netting.

[Pumpkin_king]

I think shooting them might be a good idea! I'll have to get my Dad down with his rifle at the weekend! Pigeon Pie anyone - at least i know what's gone into them!

[binley100]

It's only a good idea if they're allowed at your allotments. We're not allowed on ours , shame really so many wabbits and pigeons. I'd check it was ok first.

[mci2007]

I know this may be a stupid question, but as a newbie to allotment gardening I think I can get away with it!

I have an infestation of wood pigeons on my plot! They live in the trees that run alongside our stream and have decimated all of my crops. At first it was just an attack on my cabbages, however they’ve now managed to find their way through my netting and have eaten the lot. When I went down this morning they had eaten all of my beans and peas and were making a start on my beetroot and chard! If they carry on at this rate I’ll literally have nothing left come July!

The only thing they haven’t touched is my potatoes and onion crops. I’ve tried hanging CD’s and a scare crow bit neither have worked. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do?

Thanks

Neil

Personally..... I like them skinned an cooked slowly Find out if shooting is allowed where you are

[Shadylane]

Waste o' time shootin em. I heard from a very reliable source (vine folke) that they're territorial and if you shoot em, others will come in their place. Get some netting/old net curtains/chicken wire up. It's a pain but worth it if you want to eat your hard work.

[Dane End Dolly]

My poor dwarf french beans have been nipped at the top, bladdy pigeons. hopefully the beans will recover and now most of my plot is netted except for the climbers and the squash. bladdy bladdy pigeons grrr