Many years ago, mankind succeeded in domesticating pigeons and using them as a means of obtaining fertilizer and good. One can spot the feral pigeon all over the world.
Living Environment
The ancestors of the feral pigeon, i.e. rock doves lives in rocky cliffs, therefore the feral pigeons like to dwell in the same settings, but in the city. One can spot them perching on window sills, roofs, ledges and even under the bridge. Pigeons eat during the day and roost at night, they are very sociable and they are generally spotted in flocks.
How do they breed?
Pigeons become eligible for breeding by the time they reach six months of age, they normally lay two eggs at a time in a flimsy nest constructed by them. The eggs are incubated for the next sixteen or eighteen days. Once they hatch, the young ones are fed pigeon 'milk' by their parents. The abandon the nest after thirty five days but they still rely on their parents for another one or two weeks for food. By then, the parents can once again go into the breeding cycle, which happens about six times in a year. Thus, the pigeon population can multiply greatly provided there is presence of proper food.
Their diet
The pigeons naturally eat seeds and grains but they also feed on discarded food on the city streets.
Problems caused by them
People living in cities generally love to feed pigeons but this habit can create problems, especially when this attracts too many pigeons.
What about their droppings?
Droppings by birds like pigeons not only look horrendous but they also contain acid which can damage stonework and buildings. Fresh droppings on the streets are slippery and can cause problems to pedestrians. When the bird's nest, excreta or dead bodies fall into drains and gutters, they can cause a blockage and water damage too. Dead pigeons falling inside water tanks that aren't covered are a huge problem.
Too much feeding
People like to feed birds, which is not an illegal practice, but it creates health havoc because the rotting food (in huge amounts) can lure mice and rats and if that were to happen then the local Council would have to be contacted.
How can one pigeon proof one's building/house?
Pigeon proof devices can be used to drive away pigeons and prevent them from building their nests or residing on one's building. Pigeon proofing is a work best done by professionals because they would be knowledgeable about the installation of such devices.
Their diseases
Pigeons too suffer from communicable diseases which can affect those who spend a large amount of time with them, either because they are obligated or because they love to. One should always practice good hygiene habits by washing hands thoroughly after touching the pigeons or their droppings.
Can they be eliminated?
Killing birds, their eggs or nests is a practice that is against the law. In case of places where it is legal to destroy such birds, one should use non-lethal methods because it is against the law to kill birds. One can rely on pest control professionals to carry out the lethal pest control methods.
Living Environment
The ancestors of the feral pigeon, i.e. rock doves lives in rocky cliffs, therefore the feral pigeons like to dwell in the same settings, but in the city. One can spot them perching on window sills, roofs, ledges and even under the bridge. Pigeons eat during the day and roost at night, they are very sociable and they are generally spotted in flocks.
How do they breed?
Pigeons become eligible for breeding by the time they reach six months of age, they normally lay two eggs at a time in a flimsy nest constructed by them. The eggs are incubated for the next sixteen or eighteen days. Once they hatch, the young ones are fed pigeon 'milk' by their parents. The abandon the nest after thirty five days but they still rely on their parents for another one or two weeks for food. By then, the parents can once again go into the breeding cycle, which happens about six times in a year. Thus, the pigeon population can multiply greatly provided there is presence of proper food.
Their diet
The pigeons naturally eat seeds and grains but they also feed on discarded food on the city streets.
Problems caused by them
People living in cities generally love to feed pigeons but this habit can create problems, especially when this attracts too many pigeons.
What about their droppings?
Droppings by birds like pigeons not only look horrendous but they also contain acid which can damage stonework and buildings. Fresh droppings on the streets are slippery and can cause problems to pedestrians. When the bird's nest, excreta or dead bodies fall into drains and gutters, they can cause a blockage and water damage too. Dead pigeons falling inside water tanks that aren't covered are a huge problem.
Too much feeding
People like to feed birds, which is not an illegal practice, but it creates health havoc because the rotting food (in huge amounts) can lure mice and rats and if that were to happen then the local Council would have to be contacted.
How can one pigeon proof one's building/house?
Pigeon proof devices can be used to drive away pigeons and prevent them from building their nests or residing on one's building. Pigeon proofing is a work best done by professionals because they would be knowledgeable about the installation of such devices.
Their diseases
Pigeons too suffer from communicable diseases which can affect those who spend a large amount of time with them, either because they are obligated or because they love to. One should always practice good hygiene habits by washing hands thoroughly after touching the pigeons or their droppings.
Can they be eliminated?
Killing birds, their eggs or nests is a practice that is against the law. In case of places where it is legal to destroy such birds, one should use non-lethal methods because it is against the law to kill birds. One can rely on pest control professionals to carry out the lethal pest control methods.
About the Author:
We are experts in pigeon pest control: London with many years of experience handling a host of domestic and commercial pests. If you feel you may need our services or would like to learn more about how to repel pigeons please go to our website where you'll find all of our contact details.
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