pigeon clueless! HELP!

[aissa]

hello all,
i live in a block of apartments and this week every time i go out onto the balcony (terrace), a pigeon will fly out from amid the boxes of mess i have in the corner. Today, curious as to why this has been happening so often, once the pigeon flew out from from the mess, i took a peek to what it is thats so interesting in that corner and low and behold hidden away in the corner and tucked away from the human eye, i found a nest with two eggs. I'm not one who knows much about pigeons or how to handle this situation. I'm fearful with regards to diseases they could spread as the nest is so close to the entrance of my apartment and would really like to move the nest, away from my home without harming the pidgeons. Lately, i've noticed two pidgeons circulating around the nesting area, which i assume is the mum and dad. I know this may sound silly, but would they attack if I were to go onto the balcony? What should I do?

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Aissa,

Thank you for taking the time to come here and ask questions before acting You really have no need to worry about diseases caused by pigeons on your balcony. If you happen to be out there and using your hands on anything, it's just common sense to wash your hands afterwards.

Please don't move the nest, because the birds will likely reject it if you do. Is it ok by you if they nest on your balcony for now? It will take about 2 months for them to be gone, depending on when the eggs were layed. Can you give them this time?

No, the parent birds will not attack you, but rather will stay away if you're outside on the balcony so it's best if you can keep activity out there as limited as possible for now.

Will wait for your response,

[aissa]

thanks for getting back to me so quick brad, as this is quite a strange situation for me! I will try and keep out of their way, and let them go about their routine. I guess sanitation was my biggest concern (as was them attacking me!!) I'm curious as to why they chose my balcony as there are so many massive trees right up front that they could've made their nest in. Will they make alot of noise once the eggs are hatched? How territorial are pigeons about their young?
will keep you posted on the progress

aissa

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Aissa again

Well it really depends on the species of dove or pigeon...feral pigeons don't really nest in trees as they prefer building ledges and outcrops/balconies. This is very similar to their ancestral roots of nesting on cliffs and ridges of cliffs.

I'm very glad to hear that you will allow them their time, it really won't be long at all and once they've finished nesting, then you can "pigeon proof" your balcony if you choose.

Pigeons coo but I find the sounds soothing as they are in the lower decibals, with just one nest out there, you shouldn't find it a nuisance. They are territorial with their nests but they won't challenge humans in that regard

[Trees Gray]

Hello and congratulations on having a pigeon nest on your balcony. What a wonderful surprise.

Thank you for allowing them access to your balcony.

Pigeon parents are indeed territorial about their youngsters, as are other breeds. Just let them go about their business and they will be polite, and won't bother you. They are kind and loving creatures and wouldn't hurt anyone.

[aissa]

Hey guys,
Thanks for all your advice on help on my little pigeon situation. Lately, the pigeons haven't been flying out when i went onto the balcony (which is hardly ever, as i've tried to leave them alone), as they had been previously. Today I took a peek again, as I was wondering why they hadn't been (a little curious if they were still even there!) and I saw one of the pigeons still sitting on the nest, but I also did see one of the eggs on the floor, away from the nest. What does that mean? Have they rejected that egg? And why haven't they been flying out like they previously had been? Any advice would be great!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Aissa,

Good to hear back from you Well, the fact that the pigeons aren't leaving when you go out on the balcony now, would seem to indicate that they have a chick to protect. They are more reluctant to leave their chicks than their eggs.

Yes, the one egg might have been rejected by the parents for some reason and they pushed it out of the nest, or it might have rolled out on it's own. Pigeons have no way to bring an egg back to it's nest in either case. Unless the egg didn't go far from the nest and the nest isn't too high for them to roll it back in. If the one egg has been out there for awhile, you can remove it from the balcony and discard it.

Thanks again for being so understanding with the pigeons and allowing them their space. Keep us updated

[BrianNAmy]

In regards to any disease that could spread, you don't have to worrry. That's something the pest control companies love leading people to believe. The world's population would be dead 100 times over if pigeons carreid the diseases they say.

The only disease you would want to worry about is any avian illness that could spread to any indoor birds you might have. That, and any allergies you might also have to birds.