Pigeon problem

My excellent idea of using debris netting to protect my brassicas has proven very effective detering the local pigeon population BUT at a cost! The pigeons have now turned their attention to Carols' Damson and Greengage trees, almost stripping them bare.

Should I revert to lead poisoning them with a well aimed .22 air rifle pellet?

 

I've noticed that in recent years the Woodies have turned their attention to unripe fruit before you even think of netting it against birds. I recommend Pigeon & Mushroom Pie made using puff pastry.

 

If only I could eat mushrooms, I like them, they hate me ! I'll have to settle for pigeon breast cooked in garlic butter.

 

You to are cruel, although it does help to keep the population down i suppose so i am all for it

 

Nothing like a good pigeon pie, lovely jubbly my mouth's watering already

 

Or pigeon pizza

 

Pigeon pizza - great idea! Bagged me 12 today on the farm. Just remember it doesn't matter how hard you hit the population you'll never reduce their impact on the veg plot!

Sent from my C5303 using Tapatalk

 

we have a pigeon problem but the pheasants join in as well - now they are worth having in a pie

 

They've now stripped all the fruit off our pear tree, our neighbours too! Seriously considering shooting them but should I inform the Met Police armed response team first, maybe they need live target practice?

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/pigeon

 

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that it is an offence to kill any bird - including pigeons - unless a licence is held, but section one allows exemption if an organisation or individual complies with general licence regulations.
This would require a specific public health risk to be identified and other non-lethal methods to be used to disperse the birds prior to taking the decision to shoot them.

 

If you don't tell 'em, I won't.

 

lykewakewalker not according to DEFRA

 

This General Licence issued by Natural England covers crop damage.

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/wml-gl04_tcm6-24149.pdf

 

My mistake then. I just didn't want anyone to get into trouble.