Pigeon flies??

[pigeonmania]

Hi, I was just wondering what pigeon flies are and how to get rid of them. I have heard a little of them, but I am not quite sure. Thanks for any info!
Stacie

[cyro51]

They are about the size of a normal fly and also look similar but they are flat and very hard!

I used my normal pigeon spray to get rid of them when they came in on a rescue.

Cynthia

[Trees Gray]

Check out this link:

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/livestock/pigeon_fly.htm

[feralpigeon]

They seem to move sideways and you might get a peak of them moving in and out of the feathers in that mode. If disrupted, they'll go for a human's hair, had to swat one from my head where it tried to jump to. My vet says one tried to get into his beard . Yuk. Good luck, creepy little things, but fixable.

fp

[pigeonmania]

Thanks for the info! I have seen those disgusting things on my birds when they come out from behind the feathers and seem to run to a different spot. I used to think they were spiders until I noticed they were different. I hate those things and i'm sure my birds do too! Has anyone effectively gotten rid of them? I am thinking of getting some Ectiban D.
Thanks,
Stacie

[feralpigeon]

Originally Posted by pigeonmania

Thanks for the info! I have seen those disgusting things on my birds when they come out from behind the feathers and seem to run to a different spot. I used to think they were spiders until I noticed they were different. I hate those things and i'm sure my birds do too! Has anyone effectively gotten rid of them? I am thinking of getting some Ectiban D.
Thanks,
Stacie

Hi Stacie,

Check this link out:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showth...t=pigeon+flies

There is a link in the resource section to the main pij supply houses as well.

Just make sure you cover the eyes & nares (nostrils) so that nothing gets in there. You can cut a sock off @ arch or staple two 4x4 gauze pads on three sides to fashion a hood for the pij. Make sure to treat the living area as well, allowing dust to settle or spray to dry before returning birds to area.

You can also sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the living area to aid w/parasites in general.

fp

[cyro51]

They seem to move sideways

I hadn't realised that they did that although I was aware that they seemed to slide out from under the feathers rather than move like normal flies.

Fortunately I have only had to deal with them twice.

Cynthia

[feralpigeon]

Originally Posted by cyro51

I hadn't realised that they did that although I was aware that they seemed to slide out from under the feathers rather than move like normal flies.

Fortunately I have only had to deal with them twice.

Cynthia

LOL, Cynthia, that's why I said they "seem to move sideways"....can't really say for sure. I see them in the Overpass flock, while I haven't seen them as consistently w/the ferals who tend to roost in more open spots.

I see them almost gliding "sideways" between the feathers, but it's so fast that they appear and dissappear in the feathers, that I'm not really quite sure. Just one of those topics that you don't necessarily want to be an "expert" on !

fp

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by pigeonmania

Thanks for the info! I have seen those disgusting things on my birds when they come out from behind the feathers and seem to run to a different spot. I used to think they were spiders until I noticed they were different. I hate those things and i'm sure my birds do too! Has anyone effectively gotten rid of them? I am thinking of getting some Ectiban D.
Thanks,
Stacie

I have a spray that kills them very efficiently, mites, lice and pigeon flies..

It's the Travipharma Antisect 2000, from Global pigeon supplies. It really knocks them dead before they can get away.

[pigeonmania]

Wow, thanks for all the great information! I'll have to try some of that stuff! Hopefully I won't have to encounter those bugs ever again!

Another question: How do you guys clean up the loads of feathers during moulting? I just get down on my hands and knees and try to pick up as many as I can. This is so exhasting! Any better ways or ideas??
Thanks,
Stacie

[pigeonmania]

And one more: What would you recommend to help keep bull snakes out?!? There have been atleast 3-4 snakes that I know of that have gotten into my loft and ate eggs or even killed my youngsters. I have resorted to kill those snakes caught in the act. I have snake-proofed as much as I can, but was wondering if there are other ways or some powder or spray that would keep them away?? Thanks much!
Stacie

[upcd]

The wire size and plug all holes. Good luck.

[feralpigeon]

A concrete floor with the "mudsill" and 1/4" wire embedded in floor. Don't have to fully embed mudsill, but wrap the wire stock underneath so that it is imbedded. This will help w/all nocturnal predators and snakes alike.

fp

[pigeonmania]

I'll definately try all of your suggestions to keep those critters out! No more snakes !
Thanks,
Stacie

[upcd]

Where you able to get rid of them?