Wild birds getting in my coop every day now

[Toddrick]

I just noticed this happening a few weeks ago. I keep the coop door open while my birds free range, and when I close it at night I now frequently have to chase a sparrow or two out. I thought the problem would cease after I installed a new automatic coop door. Somehow the sparrows are finding their way in (but not out) through the tiny chicken door, argh.

I guess it is the same sparrows who must live in a nearby tree, and they discovered the chicken feed, and won't stop coming back. I'm most concerned about them spreading disease. Any recommendations to keep them out? I could use a pellet gun to get rid of them, but I ways prefer not to have to do anything like that unless it is a last resort.

Would my fake owl on top of the coop keep them away???

 

[fischnchix]

Try your owl and maybe a couple of those spinning tinsel strips or flowers.

 

[Folly's place]

Try clear plastic strips on the pop door; add them slowly so the chickens get used to walking through them. I haven't tried them myself, but someone here suggested tis and said it worked. Mary

 

[Toddrick]

Just an update for those interested. I hung my plastic owl from the top of the run facing the side where the door is. It as been a week now and not one sparrow, so it seems to be completely effective thus far! I haven't needed to put plastic strips over the door, but I will do that if the sparrows come back.

 

[0die]

that's my worry too....I leave the coop/run open all day...the feeder is inside but in plain view...

I'm worried about the local birds helping themselves...

I got doves and pigeons in my trees...

 

[Toddrick]

Okay, we'll update #2 -- the plastic owl stopped working. I think the sparrows got bold and are now ignoring it (they must really like chicken feed). So I am proceeding to put plastic strips over the automatic door. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Folly's place]

I hope it works! Mary

 

[BlackBriars]

Try moving the owl around a little every few days.

 

[chickensamazing]

Yeah, thats what I was thinking

Try moving the owl around a little every few days.

 

[Toddrick]

Try moving the owl around a little every few days.

I did move the owl to a stump just outside the door. I also hung CD's with fishing line inside the coop. I cut some plastic strips to hang over the door but haven't attached them yet (I guess I'll have to tape them since the door is steel).