Bird feeders are a great method to draw attention and enjoy the company of finches, songbirds as well as other birds in your backyard or in your backyard. But birds like pigeons (also called rock doves) tend to be undesirable guests at bird feeders. Their size, aggression behaviour, and the tendency to dominate feeders may repel smaller birds and quickly deplete food sources. If you’re worried about the pigeons that have taken over your bird feeders This article offers comprehensive, practical strategies to stop them from taking over your bird feeder and still allow smaller, less desirable birds.
Why Are Pigeons a Problem at Bird Feeders?
Pigeons can be opportunistic feeders. They attract bird feeders due to the fact that they offer an easy and reliable source for food. The reason they could be difficult to deal with:
- Dominance The pigeon is larger with more aggression than other species of birds, frequently scaring off smaller birds.
- food consumption The birds consume huge amounts of food, leaving only a small amount for other birds.
- Mess Pigeons may leave an unsanitary mess from their droppings, which could damage properties and spread disease.
- Overcrowding Their presence could cause overcrowding at feeders, which makes it difficult and difficult for birds who want to eat.
Effective Strategies to Keep Pigeons Away from Your Bird Feeder
To keep pigeons away while attracted by smaller birds, you’ll have to employ a mix of strategies. Here are some tried and tested methods:
1. Choose the Right Type of Bird Feeder
The style the bird feeder’s design plays an important function in preventing pigeons from entering your property. Here are some suggestions for pigeon-proofing your bird feeders:
- Tube Feeders featuring small Perches:
- Tube feeders that have short perches or even no perches are great for small birds such as chickadees and finches. Pigeons, which are larger, are more likely to fall on these feeders.
- Find feeders that have weight-sensitive perches that block the access to food source when a large bird, such as a pigeon, lands on them.
- Caged Feeders:
- Caged feeders are protected by a mesh of wire that allows birds of smaller sizes to access but keep larger birds such as the pigeons away.
- They are extremely effective and are available in different styles to accommodate various bird species.
- Saucer or Tray Feeders:
- The feeders are shallow in design which makes them difficult for birds get to the food. The smaller birds are able to easily sit at the edges and feed.
- Nyjer (Thistle) Feeders:
- Pigeons do not like Nyjer seeds. They are popular with finches as well as other birds of small size. A feeder made of nyjer will help to deter pigeons, while attracting desired species.
For more ideas on feeder selection and overall bird management, check out our guide on How to Keep Birds Away from Your House: Top 13 Effective Tips.
2. Use Pigeon-Proof Seed Mixes
- Pigeons like larger seeds, such as milo, corn, as well as sunflower seeds. Avoid mixing seeds with these ingredients.
- Select smaller seeds such as millet, nyjer or safflower, which are not as attractive to pigeons, but are loved by smaller birds.
3. Install a Bird Feeder Guard or Baffle
- A baffle or feeder guard is a barrier made of a material which prevents large birds from gaining access to the feeder. They can be placed on top or beneath the feeder, based on the style of the feeder.
- Baffles can be particularly useful for pole-mounted feeders since they stop birds from flying or climbing towards the feeder.
4. Adjust the Feeder Placement
- Height Pigeons like feeding from the ground, or even on platforms that are low. You should place your feeder 5-6 feet off the ground, away from rooftops or fences. There are also the other types of structures pigeons could utilize as launch points.
- Placement Place the feeder in an area that is open to the elements so that birds feel vulnerable and insecure. Pigeons like sheltered areas where they feel secure from predators.
- The distance from cover Maintain the feeder at a minimum of 10 feet from trees, bushes or any other places in which pigeons could feel safe.
For additional tips on where to position your feeder for optimal results, you might also enjoy reading our detailed post on How to Get Rid of Pigeons on Your Roof: A Detailed Guide.
5. Use Deterrents to Scare Pigeons
- Visual Deterrents:
- Place reflective objects such as CDs aluminum foil strips or shiny tape close to the feeder. Flashing lights and motion could scare away pigeons.
- Set up fake predators like decoys of hawks or owls close to the feeder. The decoys should be moved regularly to stop pigeons getting habituated to them.
- Sound Deterrents:
- Utilize wind chimes and ultrasonic equipment that create high-frequency sound to repel the pigeons. Be careful with deterrents based on sound since they can impact other birds.
6. Clean Up Spilled Seed
- Pigeons feed on ground and are attracted by seeds spilled under bird feeders. Make sure to regularly clean the seeds that fall to lessen their curiosity in the area.
- Utilize an apron or tray underneath the feeder to reduce spillage.
7. Limit the Amount of Food
- Your feeder should be filled with enough food for a couple of days. This will reduce the chance of pigeons finding and monopolizing the food source.
- Do not overfill the feeder The excessive food can overflow and attract pigeons.
8. Create a Pigeon-Proof Feeding Zone
- Set aside a separate feeding area for pigeons that is separate from your primary bird feeder. Make use of a feeder on a platform or spread food on the ground away from the areas where smaller birds eat.
- This method can be used to keep pigeons’ eyes off of them while the smaller birds can eat without being disturbed.
9. Use Water as a Deterrent
- Pigeons don’t like water and avoid areas where they may be soaked. Install a motion-activated sprinkler close to the feeder to keep birds away.
10. Be Consistent and Patient
- Pigeons are persistent, and it may require some time to adjust to the new tactics. Keep up with these methods and don’t let yourself be dismayed if the results don’t come immediately.
- As time passes, pigeons discover that your feeder isn’t an appropriate food source and will migrate to different locations.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Success
- Watch Feeder Activity Watch closely at your feeder to determine what birds are there and alter your strategy as necessary.
- Disperse Deterrents Pigeons may become used to certain deterrents over time. Change between ways to make sure they remain productive.
- Inspire natural Predators If you can Create an environment that is attractive to natural predators of pigeons, like falcons or hawks. This will help to keep populations of pigeons under control.
Conclusion
Restricting pigeons from your bird feeder is the proper feeder design, a strategic location and regular use of repellents. If you implement these strategies to create a comfortable environment for smaller, less desirable birds, while preventing the pigeons to not take over. Be patient and persistent. are essential. In time, you’ll enjoying a varied and lively bird species at your feeders without the disturbance of the pigeons. Happy bird watching!