Birds are leaving my figs alone.

[PhilErvin]

Has anyone else noticed birds leaving your figs alone? Usually the local birds help themselves to my delectible figs. This year I have found that my girls and roo hang out in the shade of the fig tree and birds seem to be leaving the figs alone.

Could the birds be afraid of the chickens? By the way, if want to plant a tree that is easy to grow and your chickens will love you for, plant a fig tree. Be sure to protect the root ball with avery wire as the pocket gophers love the roots. I always have plenty of figs to share with my girls.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I have about a 24 hr. window to get my figs between ripening and when the wild birds eat them. Somehow they know when the fig is perfectly ripe. My chickens just learned how delicious they are. Last week I looked out to see all six of my girls jumping up and down trying to get the low-growing figs. They looked like popcorn bouncing up and down. Is there anything better than a perfectly ripe and freshly picked fig?

 

[WillieBoy]

So far my girls haven't discovered my 6 figs..
Those dang bluejays and catbirds are always after them. And if its not a bird its ants...! Its gotten so bad, there is no such thing as a tree ripened fig around here..! I have to pick them just when they are starting to ripen, or i get none...
I hope my ranging hens don't develop a taste for figs...!!

 

[NickyPick]

Get a black hose and loop it through the branches of the fig tree. It works great to keep the squirrels and birds out of the tree - they think it's a snake.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Quote:
I'm going to give this a shot today! I have an old hose that would be perfect. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Lbrad7]

Quote:
I have never heard of this method! I have some old soaker hoses laying around, I think I am going to give it a shot! Sure wouldn't hurt to try.