In addition to the spikes (which come in metal and plastic) there are also pigeon coils, which are coiled pieces of wire (like a slinky) that can be stretched out to allow for different sized spaces between each loop. [3] X Research source
Bird nets are designed for large spaces and are therefore better suited for commercial or agricultural use, rather than residential. Pigeons can also be prevented from entering certain locations using wire mesh instead of nylon netting. It is heavier but also comes in different sizes depending on your needs. [7] X Research source
Note that some repellent gels (and liquids) are not legal in some countries. Make sure your check your country’s laws before using these types of products. [10] X Research source
Robotic fake predators can be costly and are designed more for commercial than residential use. As with other “bird” deterrents, the fake predator may also scare away all other birds, including the ones you may want to keep around.
Note that all these devices are not bird-specific and will work on any bird that is not a predator. Therefore these items might also scare away birds you want to attract like swallows, hummingbirds and chickadees.
Note that motion detectors need a certain amount of clear space in front of them, and must be set up at certain heights and intervals to be effective. Motion detectors can also be designed to spray water (from an attached hose) rather than play a sound. [19] X Research source As with other “bird” deterrents, the motion detector may also scare away all other birds, including the ones you may want to keep around. Ultrasonic devices should NOT be used in an area also occupied by bats. [20] X Research source
This is obviously more difficult to do if you’re in a highly populated urban area where your property is surrounded by the property of others at a close proximity. The food and water might actually be located on someone else’s property, but yours is close enough for them to fly to for resting and nesting. In this case you may want to consider bringing up the problem with your landlord, condo association, community league or city council.
If the pigeon is injured, but is also trying to get away, you can try getting close enough to throw a blanket or towel over the pigeon while it’s on the ground, then pick up the towel or blanket and carefully remove the pigeon. [24] X Research source Make sure the box, basket, carrier or cage is lined with a towel, blanket or paper towels. If the pigeon is injured it will need to be kept warm until you can get it help. [25] X Research source
If the pigeon is too weak to stand, or is having trouble with balance, do not give it water right away. The water bowl would be more a hazard than a help at this point. [27] X Research source
If the number on the leg band starts with a “CU” the bird is registered with the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union (CRPU). You can use the lost bird form on their website to list your contact information and information about the pigeon and the CRPU will assist you in locating it’s owner. If the number on the leg band starts with “IF” the bird is registered through the International Federation - American Homing Pigeon Fanciers Inc. You can use their IF Band Listing PDF documents to look up the owner’s contact information. If the number on the leg band starts with “NPA” the bird is registered with the National Pigeon Association. Send an email to secretary@npausa. com to let them know you’ve found the pigeon and they’ll assist you with contacting the owner. If the number on the leg band starts with “IPB” send an email to foyspigeon@zoominternet. net or call 1-877-355-7727 to report the pigeon you found. If the number on the leg band starts with “ADA” the pigeon is registered with the American Dove Association (ADA). Send an email to secretary@doveline. com to inform them of the pigeon you found and they’ll help you with contacting the owner. If the number on the leg band starts with “NBRC” it is registered with the National Birmingham Roller Club. You can use the online form on their website to send them all the relevant information and they’ll help you locate the owner.
Keep in mind that many pigeons have an innate homing ability which allows them to find their “home”, i. e. the place where they find food, from miles, possibly even hundreds of miles, away. If the pigeons on your property were there for some time, and found regular food, they might actually come back to you! You should prepare for this by implementing pigeon deterrents while they’re gone in anticipation of their return. If, by luck, they do not come back, the pigeon deterrents will help keep other pigeons from stumbling onto your property and setting up house.
