Leeks and pigeons

[landgirl]

Can anyone tell me whether I need to protect my leeks from pigeons? Something nibbled the tops off when I first put in the transplants, and since then they have sat in a very weedy bed and are now about eight inches tall. I've just cleaned it up, but as I would like the leeks to overwinter I'm not sure what precautions to take. There are loads of pigeons around this year!

[dexterdoglancashire]

would putting a cloche over them do the trick? it would also protect them from any frost. only a guess, havent tried this before - but will be doing on everyone elses advice! dexterdog

[nick the grief]

you won't need a cloche over them DDL - leeks a tough little gits.

Hi Landgirl,

It could have been a slug or something that nibbled your leek but if they've grown a bit the should be OK now.

[veggiemo]

I don't have problems with the pigeons nibbling my leeks but they do make a right mess of them when they waddle through the beds! Same applies when they crash dive through the bean poles..... but then so do the magpies, jays and rooks...

Nick, are you wearing tights or stockings today?

Mo

[Snadger]

When I saw the thread title I thought " That sounds nice,I'll give that a try"

BBQ pidgeon breasts wrapped in smokey bacon are to die for, but I suppose pidgeon breasts cooked with leeks would be ok? Liver and onions are nice and pidgeon breasts are a bit like liver......

Sorry about that....I came over all Hugh Fearnley Whatsisname-ish!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Ah! just thought using a cloche would give a bit of protection from the birds..... dexterdog

[Earthbabe]

I suppose you could use cloche frames to support netting rather than plastic or fleece.

[nick the grief]

.......BBQ pidgeon breasts wrapped in smokey bacon are to die for, ......

Well , the pigeons have to die for them

[JimineyC]

I've got Leeks growing and we get loads of pigeons and doves and they haven't touched them that I can see. I need something to protect the pigeons. Had a juvenile in the garden that had been mauled - lots of blood and missing feathers - which were all around - but they do make handy pollinators for the peppers in the shed. I thought cat at first but now I think magpies probably attacked it, they're very aggressive to the pigeons.
It was dazed and not flying off and I was wondering what to do if it was still around the next day - be nice and tend to it like I used to force my parents to? Or put it out of its misery -and then maybe eat it! It wasn't there the next day though, so it was either fine or Cat-got.

[Snadger]

Well , the pigeons have to die for them

True nick, but you would have problems keeping them on the barbie if they were alive!