Adjusting my set up to foil crested pigeons

Bobkat · **Posted:** Tue Nov 20, 2012 1:36 pm

Wondering what is the "least worst" to do..... The coop is in a predator and bird-proof run. I let the 4 chickens out to free range for 3-4 hours in the afternoon and, until recently, propped the door to the run open. Initially I did this becasue I thought they might dash there if startled - but they usually dash to the closest shrubbery, under tables etc. They do, however, return ocassionally to eat and drink. I keep a clean water source for them in the garden also.

Now crested pigeons have found the run when the door is open and saunter in for a feed. Should I (1) shut the door, maybe have a little feed outside with the water, though there's plenty of bugs and greens for them. They aren't laying yet but looking close and are 22 weeks old. Does this risk them laying eggs in hidden places in the garden? Or (2) leave the run door open so they can get to nesting boxes, but remove the two feeders. They're fairly light so I guess I could place them in the coop so they're quick to move. Assuming pigeons wouldn't walk up the ramp to eat in a dark, enclosed place. The downside here is the pigeons can eat the scraps on the floor (no big deal as the girls aren't too messy) but also spread mites and other problems.

I'm hoping for an egg any day now so really don't want to do anything to prevent them learning the right place to lay. Your thoughts will be appreciated!

Puzzles · **Joined:** Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:40 pm **Posts:** 6

When I let mine out I shut the door to stop the wild pigeons and crows I have water outside but not a feeder as they are too busy scratching around then at 5pm I go down and open the door and they run in a couple of minutes later

doggo · **Posted:** Thu Nov 22, 2012 9:13 am

I would shut the door too. Eggs are nearly always laid in the morning. It won't hurt the chooks to go without food while they are out and they can fill up for the night when you let them back in.

Blak1 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 11, 2013 8:42 pm

How did you go Bobkat?

I've just bought a stack of bird netting to go round my coop... a flock of starlings, crested pigeons and sparrows have discovered my feeders... the sneaky buggers are getting through the chicken wire. Any other advice?

Puzzles · **Joined:** Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:40 pm **Posts:** 6

DId you get the small netting? Once I did that they took off and we have not had a problem since and always shut the door

Bobkat · **Posted:** Tue Feb 12, 2013 10:50 am

I've been pleased with the small netting - they only get in when I leave the door open whilst they are free ranging. I often seem to have one who is laying on the afternoon shift. Yesterday it was around 4pm. She squawks and runs hurriedly up into the nesting box, so I don't want to put them off (and maybe get laying in the garden) by shutting it. So, when I let them out I move the two feeders. They're those hanging PVC ones, so light and quick enough to pick up off their hooks and put away. The crested pigeons ocassionally pop in to feed on the scraps on the floor. I shoo them out when I see them but don't worry too much about the scraps.

Seems to be working fine for the moment
Bobkat

eggslaid · **Joined:** Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:06 am **Posts:** 2

Does that soft fruit tree netting work ok on the roof of the chook coop?

Puzzles · **Joined:** Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:40 pm **Posts:** 6

It does but if you have trees around it will catch allot of leaves ect.. and it can be hard to keep clean

eggslaid · **Joined:** Tue Feb 12, 2013 6:06 am **Posts:** 2

Thanks puzzles I think I will try it and see how it goes

Clucks n Ducks · **Joined:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 4:54 pm **Posts:** 2

Puzzles wrote:

It does but if you have trees around it will catch allot of leaves ect.. and it can be hard to keep clean

Yes I found that out [smilie=a_doh.gif]

lots of leaves and little branches on top and then it sags down

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Adjusting my set up to foil crested pigeons

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