Pigeon scares

[disean]

Anybody know where you can buy decoy Hawks/Falcons to scare pigeons ? Thanks

[Lurucinali]

They are a good food source. Why not utilise them.

[JBA]

If you are going to buy one of these then you must be aware that they have to be moved at least every 2 weeks to remain effective - even then the pigeons will eventually ignore them.

My friend bought an Eagle Owl and for 1 week it worked - then 1 or 2 of the pigeons ignored it and soon they were all back. He moved it and again the pigeons stayed away for a week or so. 2 months later he gave up.

There is a very expensive model that detects movement and then flaps its wings - I heard they are very good but even they really need to be moved occasionally.

The most effective way is fishing line strung between uprights along the roof edges and ridge lines where the pigeons like to roost. They can't see it and it seriously unnerves them when they try to land and their wings catch it. Also it is not disfiguring for the building and it is considerably cheaper than spikes. Admittedly you can't practically cover a whole roof in this way, but if they are denied the ridges and ledges the pigeons will normally choose another roof to roost on.

Plan the lines you want to cover - straight along the top of ridge lines and 2" back from the edge of ledges. Drill 1" deep holes at suitable locations - you can run fishing line for about 10 metres and it will remain fairly taught within the extremes of temperatures. Cement the uprights (the cross bars from clear plastic coat hangers do very well) into the holes - the uprights should themselves have holes drilled about 6" above the perching level and you can add a 2nd level about 2.5" above the perching level if you want to discourage sparrows also. Then simply string your fishing line (about 20lb breaking strain and 'braided' line if you can get it) betwen your uprights (not too taught in the summer nor too slack in the winter) and problem solved.

You can also simply move pigeons on by popping a paper bag and thus simulating a gun shot. It is especially effective at this time of year as the hunters are banging away at them and they truly fear the noise.

[JBA]

I totally agree with you Lurucinali, woodpigeons especially are absolutely delicious.

But how do you suggest disean could catch them up on the roof?

[Lurucinali]

I totally agree with you Lurucinali, woodpigeons especially are absolutely delicious.

But how do you suggest disean could catch them up on the roof?

Build something for them to live in so they stay off your roof and bobs your uncle. Old houses were purpose built with holes in them for pigeons. Its a shame new houses do not have these.

[disean]

Thank you everyone for your replies, very helpful.

[Dave G]

A neighbor of one of my friends has a large plastic owl on his roof along with a lot of pigeons

[gripon]

You could try my mother in law ?