Feral Pigeon Control

Hi Charis, I know these research reports and have been in contact with this guy even. Their result seems to be a bit simple: food reduction is the only way to control the pigeon population. BUT I have read other reports which came to a different conclusion, saying that shortage of food increases the breeding sequency in order to save the species which makes sense to me. Sadly enough we can observe the same behaviour in the human species - can't we?

Petra...I posted this article because it's clear to me after reading it, that the idea toimpose fines on people for feeding the pigeons comes from this study. This concept has spread world wide...kind of like Woody Allen's, flying rat analogy and I find it very disturbing. It seems that as a whole, humankind opts for the most drastic solutions rather than human solutions.

That's why I had put this research report under "Scientific Ignorance" on my Pigeon Tales blog. I am collecting this kind of stuff to show the narrowmindedness of these "educated" people!

I'm glad you did, Petra. The pigeon's future depend upon us re-indoctrinating the human population with the same humane advise repeated over and over, whenever we can..

I've only had time to read about a third of it, but I'll read the rest as soon as I can.
I've wondered about their theories, but there is some very good information about the toxicity of some of the 'pigeon pills' which I had not seen elsewhere. I'm glad, in the short term, that they are 100% against killing pigeons (even in so-called 'humane' ways), and it will be interesting to see what evidence they use to say food reduction will lead to population reduction.

But in general, what are your opinions about reducing pigeon population? Should there be any pop. control and why?

I've been against it forever.

Al Streit

I don't think the feral pigeon population should be controled, but no matter what I think or any of the rest of us that advocate on their behalf, there are many that thionk they should be controled.
Unfortunately, the method of control has involved poisioning or shooting becasue that's what humans do with creatures they find inconvienent. ...they kill them. I think they kill them because it's easy. I personally think some would rather kill, because they have an innate need to kill living things.

Thanks for your answer, Charis.

I don't know how to combat that innate [sick] need in some. They don't give one hoot what I feel...think. They would just as soon silence me or any of the rest of us that stand up to them.
I think we should continue to stand up to them regardless. I will.

Your slogan says it all:

Take joy in every creature,
embrace them
as brother and sister.

DO NO HARM

Yes...and I do.

Interesting article. There will always be many who think that they should be controlled, and when people feed, I believe they do breed more. If not fed, and left to look for natural food like they did way in the past, when people kept dove cotes and let them go out to find food, would they not breed less? By feeding, do we not increase their numbers? It is this increase in numbers that so many are against. Small flocks would bother not many. So what is the answer? Is there one?

It's a difficult question.
Ideally, there shouldn't be a need to control the feral populations, but I believe it has to be considered when the birds' lives are in danger. I have tried to gather information on pigeon contraceptives, and unfortunately they don't seem to be a viable solution, so that leaves city lofts, which offer the birds shelter and protection and allow the population to continue to feed them, as the only workable option for me.
I can live with the thought of removing newly-laid eggs (I do it to my indoor pigeons too, I have to) but I hate the thought of killing any creature for any reason than to save a terminal patient further suffering.

Teresa wrote:

It's a difficult question.
Ideally, there shouldn't be a need to control the feral populations, but I believe it has to be considered when the birds' lives are in danger.

I have tried to gather information on pigeon contraceptives, and unfortunately they don't seem to be a viable solution, so that lives city lofts, which offer the birds shelter and protection and allow the population to continue to feed them, as the only workable option for me.
I can live with the thought of removing newly-laid eggs (I do it to my indoor pigeons too, I have to) but I hate the thought of killing any creature for any reason than to save a terminal patient further suffering.

I agree, Teresa. :Yes:
And it's been proven over and over that pigeons' lives are in danger.
So many have been eliminated by pest control companies placing Avatrol tainted corn out for them because of over population.

Well this is going to happen as long as their populations grow. That is when the problem starts. The city lofts are a great way of dealing with the issue, but how do you sell that idea to the different cities and towns? I guess through more and more education. Maybe some day.