Is the avian population a problem in your area?

If it is, it’s a good bet pigeons are the culprit. In many places around the world, feral pigeons are considered pests. This  is why commercial property owners are hard-pressed to find a solution to their pigeon problem. Traditionally, people have resorted to exclusion techniques, trapping, or poisoning. These days, the answer has to be a humane and cost-effective option. In this regard, birth control is certainly an avenue that many communities and businesses find viable.

Birth control for birds — will it solve your pigeon problem?

People have been known to remove eggs and replace these with fake ones to prevent the mothers from laying more. This is a birth control option and not the most practical means for downsizing a huge pigeon population.

Another method of birth control used on pigeons to prevent their flock size from getting any bigger is egg oiling. This involves hunting down pigeon eggs and immersing them in paraffin or vegetable oil. The oil clogs up the pores and suffocates the fetus within. Understandably, there are people who disapprove of the practice and represents a very labor intensive option.

Humane pigeon control

Meanwhile, oral birth control is beginning to make its way around the globe as a practical and feasible method for solving the pigeon problem. It was developed to provide a humane option for controlling the population growth. It is mostly used on avian species, including feral pigeons and Canada geese.

When used on pigeons in their reproductive season, it effectively decreases the hatchability of their eggs. Like human contraceptives, it is fully reversible. Care has been taken, to prevent non-target species from being exposed to it. For instance, it comes in a kibble form that is very attractive to pigeons.

Of course, oral contraceptives will simply prevent the addition of new members to the population and it will take some time before their profound effect is felt. Studies done on this, however, show a 50 percent population decline, annually. In some cases, it is recommended that birth control be implemented in conjunction with exclusion techniques, such as the use of nets, spikes, and electrified strips.

So, if birth control for birds is a safe and long-term solution, then it is ideal for use in areas where a few birds can be tolerated. Some of the large-scale sites and facilities where it should be used are schools, power plants, refineries, airports, and urban areas. For more information contact us and we will be happy to review your options.