Question

[kandus]

Hello
I am new today so thank you in advance for any advice
I live in a small rural town and about 5 years ago pigeons arrived (there has never been any) I figure via the grain trains that go through. They set up in a large retail store sign and a run down building. The town had the sign removed as there was poop all over the sidewalk under it and the building got boarded up. I have many bird feeders in my yard and so eventually they showed up in my yard and now I feed them. I get special food etc. There used to be 54 but now are down to 18 but by the summer's end, we will probably be up to about 30-40. The township is now putting up netting to keep them out from where they are living. My question (finally) is if I build a dovecote for them which I have no problem doing will they all come and live in it. They hang out in my yard most days for 4-5 hours and eat and drink (i have a water heater for the winter) there so I suspect they would settle in. The cost of this netting will be 30,000 which is a waste of taxpayers money in general however I suspect they will be "getting rid" of any that are currently living there. I would like some information to bring to the township so that I can build a dovecote for them and protect them. If possible would like advice on whether pigeons would all come to my coop and stay in the area and any ideas how to stop the township from trying to get rid of them Thank you very much sorry long post

 

[CCUK]

Hello
I am new today so thank you in advance for any advice
I live in a small rural town and about 5 years ago pigeons arrived (there has never been any) I figure via the grain trains that go through. They set up in a large retail store sign and a run down building. The town had the sign removed as there was poop all over the sidewalk under it and the building got boarded up. I have many bird feeders in my yard and so eventually they showed up in my yard and now I feed them. I get special food etc. There used to be 54 but now are down to 18 but by the summer's end, we will probably be up to about 30-40. The township is now putting up netting to keep them out from where they are living. My question (finally) is if I build a dovecote for them which I have no problem doing will they all come and live in it. They hang out in my yard most days for 4-5 hours and eat and drink (i have a water heater for the winter) there so I suspect they would settle in. The cost of this netting will be 30,000 which is a waste of taxpayers money in general however I suspect they will be "getting rid" of any that are currently living there. I would like some information to bring to the township so that I can build a dovecote for them and protect them. If possible would like advice on whether pigeons would all come to my coop and stay in the area and any ideas how to stop the township from trying to get rid of them Thank you very much sorry long post

Feral pigeons can and will set up home wherever they please. Unfortunately they will make a mess and can cause a nuisance to people who have no interest in them and see them as pests. The liklihood that they would move to a dovecote that you build for them would be slim to none at best. Feral pigeons will set up home and stay there unless it is compromised or destroyed. Then they will probably go somewhere else not where you want them. To get pigeons to stay in a dovecote they would need to be born in it and it would also need to be managed. I'm not sure what the solution would be that doesn't involve pest control. If they are relocated they would just return.

 

[kandus]

Thank you. I just with there was another alternative

 

[CCUK]

Thank you. I just with there was another alternative

I know exactly how you feel. We had a problem with pigeons at the stables where we have a horse. It was lovely watching them fly around but when they came inside they were pooping in the water drinkers and hay, all over the tack and blankets. I did remove a couple but there was 200+! Far too many. I just made sure I wasn't there when the inevitable happened.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Hello
I am new today so thank you in advance for any advice
I live in a small rural town and about 5 years ago pigeons arrived (there has never been any) I figure via the grain trains that go through. They set up in a large retail store sign and a run down building. The town had the sign removed as there was poop all over the sidewalk under it and the building got boarded up. I have many bird feeders in my yard and so eventually they showed up in my yard and now I feed them. I get special food etc. There used to be 54 but now are down to 18 but by the summer's end, we will probably be up to about 30-40. The township is now putting up netting to keep them out from where they are living. My question (finally) is if I build a dovecote for them which I have no problem doing will they all come and live in it. They hang out in my yard most days for 4-5 hours and eat and drink (i have a water heater for the winter) there so I suspect they would settle in. The cost of this netting will be 30,000 which is a waste of taxpayers money in general however I suspect they will be "getting rid" of any that are currently living there. I would like some information to bring to the township so that I can build a dovecote for them and protect them. If possible would like advice on whether pigeons would all come to my coop and stay in the area and any ideas how to stop the township from trying to get rid of them Thank you very much sorry long post

Sadly, they will likely not nest if you built them an dove cote. It is sad but those pigeons will likely be removed. If they regularly come to your feeders, you could trap them and build a small coop for them. You then could keep them as pets. But other than that, their isn't much you can do, because pigeons are considered pest, and pest are removed typically. Good luck! And welcome to byc!

 

[cavemanrich]

If you do decide to build a Dove cote, and have it in your yard, you may attract some to nest in there. You can attract them by placing treat seeds like unsalted peanuts on the perches. Some may decide that it is a good place to call home.
What you would be doing,,,, is essentially starting a NEW FLOCK living out of your yard. Yes,,, you would get some additional pigeons joining in, but not the whole flock as is current.
Feral pigeons make nice pets, but don't expect them to be hand friendly, unless you built them an enclosed loft, and handled them as young.
Here is a small one I found on line. Just for idea.

If you did decide to keep pigeons as pets, and built a permanent loft, you could incorporate Dove cote and loft together.(can tell you how if you get to that point). You would also have the advantage of controlling the population.
I have no advise to present to City council. They will most likely go with their plan to eliminate the pigeons regardless. Only thing you are able to do is attract some to live by you.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[LamarshFish]

You have a good shot attracting some to live in your dovecote, but the ones that already live in that abandoned building won't move. They unfortunately would have to be removed and kept somewhere they couldn't fly, otherwise they will return. Big adoption burden. If you want them to not go to waste, go get them before pest control does and eat them. That way, at least they won't completely go to waste. Pigeons fattened up on quality feed would be a delicacy!