The number of pigeons is increasing day by day. Their vastly growing population might lead to health problems for the human race. Thus, controlling their growth has become a necessity today. The question that arises to mind is, how to control pigeon’s population?
Firstly, killing them off seems like a perfect option. But it is not. Ovocontrol’s pigeon control strategy is great in accomplishing the desired goal of reducing these birds’ population.
Research has proven that one mating pair of pigeons can produce up to six broods within a year. As a result, shooting them is fruitless. Since they can easily make up for their loss, it is nearly impossible to reap the benefits of shooting in the long run. As the rate at which pigeons are killed never exceeds their reproduction rate.
The question here is; why is pigeon control a necessity? Surprisingly the real problem lies not in them but rather in their excretions which they leave behind. They pose problems for the industrial facilities. Their urine and faeces are corrosive. Hence, they corrode concrete along with steel. They are also hazardous for equipment.
Shooting happens to be among one of the three common lethal ways of controlling the pigeon population. The other two are:
- Trapping
- Chemical control
However, these ways have their boundaries. Plus, you must keep in mind that if the adult birds are massacred then the poor, young birds would face starvation. You would also end up breaching animal rights. So, these harsh methods must not be implemented. In fact, there are safer and simpler ways for pigeon control which are non lethal and are effective in controlling pigeon populations.
Pigeon birth control
In today’s world, man has discovered many non-lethal methods for controlling the population. In recent years, the most inspiring practice has been introduced. It is quite successful and harmless. Contraception, that is, birth control in pigeons is the perfect way to save the humans as well as the pigeons.
This way would take a long time but is more sustainable than any other method. Just like in humans, contraceptive medicines play a vital role in the prevention of reproduction.
You simply add an active ingredient, which acts as a contraceptive, in the bird food. Then feed this to the entire flock. As soon as the females consume this ingredient, their eggs end up losing their ability to fertilise. Thus they do not hatch into uncontrollable babies.
One good thing is that few contraceptives are available in the market, thus saving you the hassle of choosing which ones to use. Among the options, OvoControl is very effective. This food is kibble type. The ideal practice of feeding this to pigeons is through automatic feeders.
For a significant outcome, the least requirement is 5 grams per day. So birds of a flock are fed accordingly.
As birds begin to consume these contraceptives, their numbers start dwindling gradually. After tests and experiments, it was shown that by using birth control, a fifty percent decrease in the first year in the population was observed.
Other non lethal ways
There are a few more non-lethal methods to control the pigeon population.
● Destroying the nests
In this way, the pigeon species are effectively kept away from the humans. There are some methods that can be used to ensure that best building spots are unavailable and non reachable for pigeons. For example, the usage of bird slides. You can even install bird nets or wires to make them stay away and prevent them from nesting.
The most commonly used nesting spots by pigeons include; building ledges, bridge supports, outer air conditioning units, and even window sills.
Pigeons require some twigs to construct their nests which can quite simply be removed.
● Feeding sources to be removed
Even if you do not feed these little birds, they still might get food from many sources. As pigeons fly over public areas like parks they get a lot of food which we leave behind. Thus these food attractants must be cleaned on a daily basis
● Scaring pigeons away
Apart from the above mentioned methods, you could also use devices to scare the flocks of pigeons away. For example, using audio and visual devices to copy fake predator birds. This practice would be very effective.
Moreover, the polybutylene gel could also work as a repellent. This is a sticky gel which is extremely uncomfortable for pigeons to land on.
Conclusion
“My pigeon population at my home on Oahu has been reduced to two dozen from at least a hundred birds last March, while using OvoControl. At times I would have a flock of two hundred on my roof, but now no more!”
These words were spoken by a woman who effectively controlled the population of pigeons in her surroundings without killing them off. Thus, contraceptives are an ideal choice and you can use OvoControl to limit the numerous pigeons flocking around you.
Other articles from mtltimes.ca – totimes.ca – otttimes.ca