Horrible Pigeons

[Solitaire]

I've got four horrible pigeons that keep pecking away at my veggie beds, are they after the seedlings or little insects ?

I've tried to block areas off from them but they keep coming back and they really are four of the ugliest pigeons I've ever seen

[pdblake]

You need netting over your crops. As to what they are after, probably both, but they'll rip up your seedlings either way.

Bright coloured things that move, like seaside windmills seem to work for me, though our culprits are collared doves (rats with wings and fancy feathers).

Strips of kitchen foil on a length of string frighten them off too. They're pretty jumpy things, so anything that moves in the wind.

[quark1]

I've seen Birdscare Humming Lines for sale at T&M amongst others. Product KAA2438 £4.99.Take a look to see how it works.

I would think if you had an old music or video cassette which would otherwise be thrown away you could try and adapt the idea - saving yourself a few quid in the process.

Apparently the tape hums in even the lightest of breeze causing an unpleasant area for birds to be near. Having said that - I'd be willing to bet your 'ugly' pigeons are probably deaf as well as greedy and destructive! It has the added benefit of deterring some other pests as well.

[Nicos]

We have a few wood pigeon and jays..so our potager is covered in wind flags and colourful flappy things and netting and fleece ...looks a bit like...well..an allotment!!!

All our neighbours potagers look pretty and green ...they must think we're bonkers- or messy bu@@@rs

[Incy]

No Nicos,
They will simply say " Aaah, Les Anglais". The French think we're all barking most of the time anyway so just put things down to our natural eccentricity