I've got a small hanging bird feeder, but it's turned into a bit of a pigeon hotspot lately. These London pigeons are giving it a go even though it's too small for them to land on, which means they're spilling seed all over the place. Now, I'm noticing rats are showing up thanks to the spilled feed. I'm really looking to attract songbirds instead. Has anyone found any effective ways to change feeder style or type of feed to keep those pesky pigeons away?
3 Answers
If you've got a garden, try planting more flowers and shrubs that attract insects and provide natural food sources for the birds. We stopped putting birdseed out to avoid rats, and our garden is bustling with birds and butterflies. Just remember, this time of year, there's plenty of natural food for birds, so reducing feeder use might help too.
Squirrel-proof feeders can double as pigeon-proof feeders! They're definitely worth experimenting with. You might still find pigeons hanging around underneath, but if they're busy eating everything, that might help keep the rats at bay.
That's what we use! Our feeders keep the pigeons from landing, but those woodpigeons are still around eating up the scraps.
I've heard that using hanging feeders with small openings instead of flat ones can help. The RSPB suggests these types because they reduce disease spread among birds. Regular cleaning is key too; that way, pigeons can't easily get to the food or make a mess under it. It's worth a shot!
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into those hanging feeders.
We’re on it! We're planning to plant a flower garden this autumn and have some elderberries and a cherry tree already!