Sparrows destroying peas and more !

[Marb67]

Well I have had a poor germination again of "early onward peas" but the ones that came up, the first earlies have all been pecked at by sparrows, even with netting as they have got under it. Sown some more "terrain" and they have got into the pots that they have germinated (again not many did come up) and stripped those too. They have also done the same with my spinnach and beet leaf.

Absolutley gutted as they never used to be such a problem and I even feed them on the feeders so why would they take my greens ? I don't want to have netting everywhere as it defeats the object of a nice garden, I want to see my crops. Is there anything else that works that can deter them ?

[jackarmy]

God i love your posts, they make my life seem almost beareable

[Marb67]

Thanks, I used to live in Swansea 30 years ago as a student and life was very bearable. Loved the place, the beaches and the people.

[Nicos]

And I used to live in Cheshire!....never had the problems you seem to get Marb...but by heck...good on you for sticking with it!

[Penellype]

Might not be a very practical suggestion, but...

Get a cat?

[Marb67]

No, the last one was poisoned and broke our hearts. Even through the netting the beggers were pecking through. Never had this problem before.

[vixylix]

I think you should move further away from Manchester Marbs - that has to be the problem

[Marb67]

Well obviously nobody else has this problem so I will have to write the peas off this year as they have been completely pecked to pieces, despite netting as they seem to have pulled it through.

[1Bee]

Nope, I have that problem. I seem to be the only plot that does, but I am next to a hedge. I net them when small, but once they get big enough to start winding their tendrils though the net it has to come off.

They get hammered, but do seem to soldier on. Either they're less tasty when older, or the sparrows are less hungry as the other leaves come in, but we're just about over the worst now. Fluttery bird scarer things seem to help.

[Marb67]

I have seen people using hanging compact discs but not sure how effective.

[damian1225]

I use dangling DVD's, but whilst that keeps them off my peas the Bl**dy things have pinched half of my onion sets! I was pretty mad when i spotted them all pulled up and pecked... oh well note to self to push in deeper next time

[bario1]

I use an old wire security grille from a shop window propped on bricks (or just laid on the frame of raised beds) to stop birds foxes etc destroying newly planted crops.

[Snadger]

I agree about any type of netting being unsightly!

My dear auld dad used to stretch black sewing cotton thread over young plants to protect them. It worked for him.

[Greenleaves]

Remember you invited them in Marb, you feed the birds so to them its one big restaurant. I have tried all maner of things to scare them off including CD's.....Des Oconnor ones as well.

Its either netting or sufference I am affraid.

[1Bee]

I can't quite figure out how to net so that the peas don't cling on to the net so you can't get access for harvesting... anyone got any helpful pics?