Warning to UK households with bird feeders in gardens
UK households with bird feeders in their gardens have been warned by wildlife experts to stop using them as they attract pigeons. These birds eat all of the food very quickly, meaning there is nothing left for other birds and it also puts off smaller species from visiting your bird feeder as they are intimidated by the pigeons.
Pigeons raiding the bird feeder means gardeners will have to constantly refill too. But there is a way to deter pigeons allowing the smaller birds to feast on the food without being terrorised by the larger birds. Richard Green, wildlife expert from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, advises households to put seed trays into their feeders. This stops seeds falling onto the ground and wasted and is what attracts the pigeons in the first place.
According to Richard, putting a cage around your feeders makes it easier for smaller wildlife to access the seeds and also keep larger birds, like pigeons, out.
People can also chose to use pigeon-proof designed feeders which are often angled so that the birds struggle to get a good grip, according to the Mirror.
Mr Green explains: 'Fallen seed is a major attraction for pigeons and other pests, such as rats.
Adding seed catchers beneath feeders helps stop seeds from reaching the ground. It's also important to regularly clean up any remaining food to keep your garden tidy and free from unwanted visitors.
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'Feeders designed to keep pigeons away often feature vertical or angled surfaces that pigeons struggle to grip. Pigeons are not as agile as smaller birds, so creating feeding spaces with uneven or narrow perches can make a big difference in keeping them at bay.'
Another option to prevent pigeons stealing all the food from other birds is to put out things like nyjer seed, suet balls or sunflower hearts, as these are less appealing to them so it gives smaller birds a better chance to enjoy the food on offer.
Of course, if you want to keep feeding pigeons in your garden, without excluding smaller birds, it's advised that you set up separate feeding areas.
Mr Green adds: 'Ground feeders with high-cereal seed mixes are ideal for pigeons, while smaller, more protected feeders can be reserved for smaller species. This allows all birds to enjoy your garden without competing for food.'
Hanging feeders are a popular way to keep birds fed, however, they aren't ideal for all species. The suspended feeding system is difficult for blackbirds, dunnocks and robins to cling to.
In order to make sure these birds are happily fed, it's much better to use a flat surface to lay out suet or seeds.
This can be a bird table, an open stretch of shorn grass, or a patio area.
Simply sprinkle the food out and watch as your feathery guests hop out to peck up the food in peace.
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