Feral Pigeons in Bexley
![[A pigeon]](images/pigeon1.gif "A pigeon") Feral
pigeons in Bexley:
some information and advice
The control of pigeons is a very emotive subject. Many
people see them as part of the natural wildlife of the
Borough. Others see them as a pest and would like to see
them all removed from our streets and parks.
Over recent years there has been a marked increase in the numbers of Feral
(wild) Pigeons. Feral Pigeons have thrived in our cities by adapting to life,
learning to roost and breed in the seemingly inhospitable environment provided
by tall buildings, and to survive on the food available.
Some parts of Bexley now have particular problems due to the large number of
pigeons that congregate there. The Council receives many complaints from both
members of the public and local businesses about pigeons and is concerned about
the effects that these large number of birds are having in the areas affected.
The bird is about 33cm in length and weighs between 280
- 560g, averaging at about 350g. Its plumage can vary
considerably, from a close resemblance to that of the
original rock-dove (with blue-grey plumage, double black
wing bars and a white rump) through various "blues",
"reds" and chequered types, to almost pure black.
There are no visible differences between the sexes. They
naturally live in cliff habitats where they lead a healthy
existence, but in the urban environment they become unhealthy.
Feral pigeons are sometimes called "the flying rat" - adapted to
living and causing a nuisance in the borough.
Feral pigeons can cause serious damage and spoil the
appearances of buildings. The smell and mess they leave
can cause a nuisance.
By following two simple rules you will help reduce
the problem:
What is the solution?
 Don't
provide food for pigeons
Dispose of food waste thoughtfully
Please make sure you dispose of all food waste carefully.
Deliberate feeding of pigeons by a small group of people has been an important
cause of the increase in the pigeon population in Bexley. There are a number of
reasons why this increase is good neither for the pigeons nor the people of Bexley.
The Council wants to see pigeon numbers reduced to a lower, more realistic
level, which is not dependent on food from people.
Action to control the food supply is essential if we are to reduce the number
of pigeons. The general public can help by disposing of unwanted food and food
containers responsibly and not feeding the pigeons. Businesses can help by disposing
carefully of their leftover food.
We believe that most people who feed pigeons will want to stop once they realise
the problems it creates.
We therefore ask: please don't feed them.
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Feeding pigeons affects their health
People who feed pigeons do not help to
keep pigeons healthy. The food pigeons get from people
may lack essential nutrients, which pigeons require for
overall good health. The risk of injury to pigeons attracted
to the Borough by pigeon feeding is also higher. For instance,
many pigeons suffer missing and deformed feet after catching
them in man-made structures.
Instead of breeding once a year, pigeons now breed almost all year round because
of the expanded food supply. The feral pigeon is capable of breeding throughout
the year, nests may be found in any month, however the peak occurs between March
and July. Usually, two white eggs are laid on consecutive days. Incubation lasts
about 18 days with fledging taking place about 4 ½ weeks later.
A new clutch can be laid when the first young are 20 days old. Therefore
up to nine broods may be produced per year by just one
female pigeon. Research has shown that this can place
considerable pressure on the limited breeding sites making
many of them unhealthy, crowded places subject breeding
pigeons to considerable physical stress. Mites and other
parasites in overcrowded breeding sites can spread disease
easily among young pigeons, and fledglings are at an increased
risk of attack by mice and rats attracted to permanent
breeding sites.
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Please don't feed the pigeons!
- It affects their health
- It attracts vermin and is a risk to human health
- It damages buildings
- It makes pigeons dependent on people
- It deprives other birds of food
Feeding pigeons makes them dependent on people
Pigeon feeding is harmful because it makes pigeons dependent on people. If
they were less dependent they would arguably be less susceptible to disease and
other health risks. Pigeons are wild birds and are capable of fending for themselves.
Feeding pigeons affects other birds
Feeding feral pigeons can deprive other birds of food and might scare them
from your garden. Smaller birds such as thrushes and finches are often frightened
away when numbers of much larger pigeons arrive. Feral pigeons can also carry
viruses that can be spread to other birds causing death.
Feeding pigeons attracts pests
People who feed pigeons often end up feeding more than
they bargained for. On occasions when food is plentiful,
pigeons may not always eat everything left out for them.
The remaining food goes bad and may attract rats and mice,
which can spread disease to humans.
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Feeding pigeons puts human health at risk
Humans are also at risk from unhealthy pigeons. Pigeons can carry a number
of potentially infectious diseases such as salmonella, tuberculosis and ornithosis
(a mild form of psittacosis - pneumonia-like symptoms).
They are also a source of allergens, which can cause respiratory ailments like
pigeon fancier's lung and allergic skin reaction. There is potential for
these illnesses to be spread to people through contact with pigeon droppings,
dandruff and feathers; pigeon parasites; or where dead infected pigeons get into
food or water sources.
The presence of pigeons, or their droppings (particularly when wet), can also
contribute to accidents.
Dispose of food waste thoughtfully and let pigeons
feed the natural way.
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![[Another pigeon]](images/pigeon2.gif "A grey pigeon") Don't
provide homes for feral pigeons
Please make sure your building is proofed against pigeons.
Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly; their acid content can eat into soft
stone and cause long-term damage. The nest droppings, and feathers also block
gutters and rainwater pipes causing water damage.
How to proof your building
Pigeons enter buildings to get food, to build nests or simply to roost and
shelter. The birds gain access by any opening that is big enough. Total proofing
against all birds can only be guaranteed by the closure of all openings bigger
than 20mm in diameter.
Pigeon proofing includes simple tasks like sealing gaps under eaves and replacing
missing roof tiles (please remember to remove pigeons prior to proofing works).
Pigeons can be deterred from using common perching and roosting sites such
as window ledges and roofs by fitting stainless steel wires suspended and sprung
at the correct height to prevent the birds from landing.
Other commonly-available deterrents to the feral pigeon include barrier
gel, spikes and bird repellent gel.
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