Pigeons

Please do not feed the pigeons!

Pigeons can cause considerable nuisance. They also carry disease and breed very fast.

We receive a number of complaints about pigeons every year! Some people think that if they do not feed pigeons, the birds will starve to death - this is not the case.

One of the reasons why pigeons are very close to us is that people tend to feed them. Once the birds realise that they will be fed somewhere regularly, they will go to that area repeatedly, expecting a good meal.

Feral pigeons - pest control

Feral or town pigeons have originated from the rock dove, dovecote and domestic pigeons.

Feral pigeons are present throughout Britain, most frequently in urban areas where they have adapted well to the artificial cliffs provided by buildings and other structures. They depend largely on the general public for their food. Because of this dependence, the feral pigeons have become a pest fouling buildings, pavements and park land, contaminating stored food and transmitting diseases.

Fouling of buildings and monuments frequently occurs at places where birds roost. The acidic droppings reacting with chemicals in the stonework cause erosion of the surface. Accumulations of pigeon droppings can become infested with mites and insects which are pests of stored food products. Some feral pigeons are capable of breeding throughout the year; however, the optimum period occurs between March and July. They build nests on and within buildings.

Feral pigeons rely mainly on spillage at food premises or scraps, bread, cakes and bird seed given by the public. The birds normally feed in flocks and have become highly efficient in taking food when it is left unattended, patiently waiting nearby until the area is undisturbed.

Some feral pigeons have been shown to carry organisms which cause Salmonellosis and Ornithosis (a mild form of Psittacosis); although there are proven cases of man catching these diseases from direct or indirect contact with feral pigeons, such risks are slight.

The most important factor determining the size of a pigeon population is food and the best long-term solution to the problem of feral pigeons is to restrict its availability. Avoid dropping food waste as litter, clean up spillage areas, keep lids on bins and secure waste bags.

Remember - no food = no birds!

Contact us

Public Protection Services
Public Health Team
Challenge Building
Hatherton Road
Walsall
WS1 1DJ

Telephone 01922 652210
Email publichealthteam@walsall.gov.uk