About pigeons
Facts and information
There are large populations of feral pigeons in towns and cities across the UK.
This article is intended to provide some background information about pigeons in the UK, their reproduction, and lifestyle.
The buildings and structures in our towns make great ‘artificial cliffs and trees’.
These adaptable birds build their very basic nests on small ledges and sills, using both natural materials such as twigs, and litter discarded by people.
Divided opinions about pigeons
The way people feel about pigeons varies widely.
Town pigeons often have little fear of man and congregate in large numbers in town centres where some visitors enjoy feeding and watching them.
Unfortunately the sheer numbers of these birds poses a problem for local authorities, householders and local businesses that have to deal with the droppings and damage resulting from their the presence of these birds.
Prolific breeding
Pigeon populations can explode in urban communities, largely due to their ability to breed all year round, and because of the constant supply of food discarded, or deliberately supplied, by human visitors.
Many feral pigeons will breed at almost any time of the year, but number of chicks hatched reach a peak in late spring and early summer.
Each brood consists of two chicks which hatch after about 18 days of incubation. The pigeons are ready to fly in just a few weeks and so up to nine broods can be raised by a pair in any one year.
Pigeons eat grain and seeds but can also feed happily on many human scraps such as cake, bread and biscuit crumbs.
Most local authorities face a constant battle trying to dissuade people from deliberately feeding and encouraging these birds.
About the damage pigeons cause
Fouling of buildings by droppings is not just a problem because it looks unsightly. The pigeon droppings are acidic and actually damage the fabric of the building.
Removing the droppings is difficult and expensive, and the droppings themselves may carry microbes which cause diseases transmissible to humans
Country Services carries out a range of pigeon proofing and removal treatments for businesses and householders throughout the South East, and you are welcome to contact us for advice and information.
Give us a call
01428 714031
