I need HELP!

[barbie843]

Hi to all! This is my first post and hope I have come to the right place for help. I have a problem that I probably got myself into. I've had a small bird feeder in my yard for at least 5 years. For about the last 3 or 4 years, they have had my special attn and my pigeon population has grown to about 30 today. As much as I would miss these beautiful, sweet, social babies, I have to find the best way to discourage them from hanging around. I don't want any neighbors to put out poison or do anything harmful to them so I have to act soon. The cooler weather will be coming and it will be only a little easier to withdraw water and feed. I need to know if they will leave if I just pull up food and water, or if I need to also use another preventative measure to keep them from sitting on the roof edge, nesting, etc. I would love to keep them as I have grown to love them, nurse them when they are sick, welcome their babies when they first fly out of the nest, and oh, there are so many more reasons that I love them. Anyone have any ideas If they wre reloacted would they fly back? I regard myself as a misplaced pigeon lover - wish I could move to the country and take them with me!! Thank you for reading this and any advice is appreciated.

[Snowbird]

Good thinking--you are aware that when you reach a certain number of birds for a given area--especially a residential area, you must be very careful not to precipitate a disaster (poison). If the only reason the birds come to your area is you, then you can go cold turkey and they will give up after a few days. They have a normal routine of several feeding areas and they know that the areas will often not produce, so they make the rounds and they will take several days to discourage.

If there are other attractions to your area then you may not have so much control (other food sources, good bathing, good day or night roosting/loafing).

If there is an open space such as a park nearby, where there is minimal human activity (especially early in the morning), you can move your flock in steps to that point and continue to feed them in comfort. If a number of the flock can see you, they will come to you for food--repeat each day as you move them to the new feeding site. Some days they will be able to make large moves and sometimes you have to stay in one place an extra day to keep them dialed in. good job.

[barbie843]

Thanks so much for your early reply. Very good ideas! My yard does
provide for nice loafing all day. A few will wait for me right by the patio door, lightly fly against the window on the door to get attention, etc. They love to bathe in the large shallow adobe dish and I have to tell you, it is so nice to see them happily bathing and then sunning themselves. Sweet, sweet babies!! I get a lot of peace knowing these few have fresh, clean water and a safe place to eat and rest. But, I gotta let them go, I guess. I just wanted to make sure that if I pull up food and water (which I will do when the weather cools-it's still 100 and above here) that they would have other sources of food and I am happy to hear they have other routine feeding areas - smart little guys!! Our park is small and close by but due to many variables that would not work out. I do like the idea as it's gradual and would not be too disturbing to their routine. My neighbor (who originally wanted to put out poison... I might have had to do something to her...) is thinking of having the low voltage wire run along the edge of her roof which, naturally, I do prefer to her idea of poison. What information can you give me on that method of deterrence as I am still not fond of doing even that. Her roof is just along side of my backyard patio and they do sit there and also on the block wall between our yard and hers. I need to be smart about this and let her know that I have the best method at hand to handle the situation. Thanks again for your advice, your time and help! I just want these sweethearts not to be harmed in any way.

Barb