Gardeners across the UK are being urged to add one thing to their bird feeders to deter pigeons, which can leave smaller birds with no food.
Pigeons have a reputation for eating everything and anything, and one of the key attractors to the birds is dropped seed from bird feeders as it’s an easy meal. Once they discover a spot where birdseed is easy pickings, they will often return, which can discourage smaller birds from visiting, as they’re intimidated by their larger size, meaning other wildlife have less access to food. Now that spring has arrived, there will be increased wildlife activity in gardens, and if you have bird feeders, this can lead to overcrowding as birds flock in large numbers.
To avoid this problem, wildlife experts recommend that gardeners should pigeon-proof their feeders by adding a seed tray to the bottom.
Bird seed trays attach to the bottom of feeders and help reduce the amount of seed that drops on the floor, which in turn reduces the opportunity for pigeons to grab an easy meal.
As an added benefit, the tray will also help reduce wastage, as any seed that overflows can be tipped back into the feeders. Plus, it means less mess spilling onto the ground, and this can also help keep other garden pests, like rats, at bay.
In its online advice on keeping pigeons away from bird feeders, Webbs Garden Centres said: “Catching fallen seeds in a receptacle that is not easily accessed by pigeons can stop pigeons before they become an issue in the garden.
“Bird feeder seed catchers can be added to most types of bird feeder, these provide a dish where the fallen seed is collected. They usually sit just under the bird feeder stopping anything reaching the floor where pigeons are most likely to feed from.
“These seed catchers also help reduce the mess in your garden and reduce the amount of wild bird food wastage and any other potential pests such as rats. If any food does make it to the ground, it’s important to clean it up as best you can and on a regular basis in order to keep your garden safe, clean and free from pests.”
Another option is to surround a hanging bird feeder with a cage, as the holes are too small for pigeons to access the food, but smaller birds will still be able to reach it.
Alternatively, you can opt to use pigeon-proof feeders, which are often angled so that the birds struggle to get a good grip.
Richard Green, wildlife expert from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, said: “Fallen seed is a major attraction for pigeons and other pests, such as rats. Adding seed catchers beneath feeders helps stop seeds from reaching the ground. It’s also important to regularly clean up any remaining food to keep your garden tidy and free from unwanted visitors.
“Feeders designed to keep pigeons away often feature vertical or angled surfaces that pigeons struggle to grip. Pigeons are not as agile as smaller birds, so creating feeding spaces with uneven or narrow perches can make a big difference in keeping them at bay.”
Of course, the food you put out for birds can also play a part in pigeon-proofing your garden, as things like nyjer seed, suet balls or sunflower hearts are less appealing to them, so offering these gives smaller birds a better chance to enjoy the food on offer.
If you do want to keep feeding pigeons in your garden, without excluding smaller birds, it’s advised that you set up separate feeding areas.
Mr Green added: “Ground feeders with high-cereal seed mixes are ideal for pigeons, while smaller, more protected feeders can be reserved for smaller species. This allows all birds to enjoy your garden without competing for food.”
Comments are closed.