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Original poster

Nesting pigeon help

24 replies

WhackingPhoenix · 20/05/2022 17:14

Not sure where else to put this! I have a pigeon nesting on my brick wall (egg hasn’t yet hatched) and three cats who are determined to eat her. I have cat-proof fencing installed around my garden to keep my cats from wandering but the silly bird has nested inside it and so isn’t safe from them. I’ve kept the cats inside since I noticed the nest but they are understandably getting quite upset at being indoors!

Is there any safe way to relocate a nest without the pigeon abandoning it? She’s a gorgeous wood pigeon so I don’t consider her a pest and just want to keep her and her egg safe!

OP posts:
Trialsandtribulationsoflife · 20/05/2022 17:23

Are you able to put something around the nest area so the cats can’t get near?
maybe if you post a photo of the area people could offer suggestions. It could be as simple as canes and netting fencing that area off.

EvilPea · 20/05/2022 17:24

Oh god. Pigeons are notoriously terrible parents and terrible nest builders. I don’t think you’ll manage to relocate her (but someone wiser may be along). I’ve known people in similar situations keep their cats in, but I know for some that’s really easier said then done.

Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 17:29

I don't think pigeons are a protected species so you can move the nest. You could put the egg and nest into a hanging basket, or something not too deep so it can fledge out of it. Then hang it from a tree or put it somewhere safe and protected from direct rain. Don't handle the egg with your hands - water rubber or latex gloves so there's no smell. And make sure you do it whilst the parent is around so they can see where you're moving it. And really then, it's up to the bird to decide what it wants to do. They might just abandon it and it's unlikely then to hatch.
If it did hatch and got abandoned, pigeons are the easiest bird to hand rear if you were up for it.

Good luck and I hope it goes well.

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Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 20/05/2022 17:34

She’s been nesting for about two weeks so it’s due to hatch in about four days or so. The last thing I want to do is relocate it and then she abandons a hatchling ☹️

In theory, the cats shouldn’t be able to get to her because she’s nested between my neighbour’s wisteria and the angled netting I’ve put up to keep the cats in, but I caught one of the cats crawling UP the wall to get to her (which is how I knew she was there in the first place!) so I don’t want to risk it.

I might have to go for supervised garden time until the baby is a fledgling but I have no idea how long that’ll take! 🐦

The problem is that my cats are destroying my carpets in frustration as they’re clearly getting majorly fucked off with me!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 20/05/2022 17:36

I agree that pigeons are terrible parents! There are trees and suitable spaces under every roof for miles around but she’s chosen the most dangerous garden in town Confused

OP posts:
Georgeskitchen · 20/05/2022 18:28

Is there a local wildlife rescue who could help?

Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 21:11

It's about 4 weeks when they start to flap and jump from the nest. So then it's on the ground but not flying. Most dangerous time for baby birds.

Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 20/05/2022 21:13

Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 21:11

It's about 4 weeks when they start to flap and jump from the nest. So then it's on the ground but not flying. Most dangerous time for baby birds.

Oh good god. I’ll have to keep the dog in as well then!

OP posts:
Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 21:19

It's difficult. But once it has gone from the nest, they'll probably move away from your garden quite quickly. The mother will want it to learn to feed itself so she'll be taking it to appropriate food supplies. They often move from garden to garden as it starts off low flying. And because it's only one, it should be well fed so be stronger once it starts flying. But, yes, it's a long process.

Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 20/05/2022 22:08

I don’t know what she’s going to do with the baby learning to fly as she’s really penned herself in a corner and even she has a job getting out of the spot she’s got herself into! I’ll try and take a photo in daylight tomorrow so you can see what I mean.

OP posts:
Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 22:21

OK, I'll keep an eye out for it. Ultimately your options are very limited, though. The nest stays where it is, or you move it. If you move it before it hatches, she might not settle on it, and the egg doesn't hatch. If you move it after it hatches, you risk her abandoning it, but maybe the chick's cries will keep her attention. There's nothing guaranteed either way. Alternatively, you could leave it where it is, and be watchful, but they're sneaky and always jump out when you least expect it! There's no good solution really. Sadly most baby birds do die.
It sounds horrible of me to say it, but I'm glad I'm not in your situation. 😕 Sorry.

Angelbaby1985 · 20/05/2022 22:22

Earlydancing · 20/05/2022 17:29

I don't think pigeons are a protected species so you can move the nest. You could put the egg and nest into a hanging basket, or something not too deep so it can fledge out of it. Then hang it from a tree or put it somewhere safe and protected from direct rain. Don't handle the egg with your hands - water rubber or latex gloves so there's no smell. And make sure you do it whilst the parent is around so they can see where you're moving it. And really then, it's up to the bird to decide what it wants to do. They might just abandon it and it's unlikely then to hatch.
If it did hatch and got abandoned, pigeons are the easiest bird to hand rear if you were up for it.

Good luck and I hope it goes well.

birds wont smell you on there baby's or eggs as someone who takes in and rears wild life it was put about by the rspca/sspca to stop people touching baby birds but there's no truth in it

Oddsocks55 · 20/05/2022 22:22

Pigeons really are crap parents. I saw a "nest" consisting of 2 twigs, with an egg inside, and the nest was on a 5cm ledge on a lock gate. That's not even half hearted.

Robinni · 20/05/2022 22:23

@WhackingPhoenix You cannot move her when she’s nesting it’s an offence they are protected via the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

www.fantasticpestcontrol.co.uk/pigeons/pigeon-nest-and-life-cycle/

www.bto.org/sites/default/files/u23/downloads/pdfs/factsheet_woodp.pdf

First link is re. Feral pigeon removal, though wood pigeons will have similar nesting time etc fact sheet second one.

Don’t stress but do google and seek advice from local wildlife charity/rspb they will have heard it all before.

www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/get-in-touch/contact-us/

DaleTrimont · 20/05/2022 22:27

Personally I would keep the cats in for the duration, sorry ! I have a wood pigeon who has been nesting near my back door every year for over a decade. The chicks seem to fledge pretty well, only one has landed on the ground rather than managing to fly into nearby trees. They normally only rear one or two to fledging stage.

Robinni · 20/05/2022 22:30

www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/animals/birds/birdnests/moving

Definitely phone for advice tomorrow, hope you get sorted.

Angelbaby1985 · 20/05/2022 22:35

DaleTrimont · 20/05/2022 22:27

Personally I would keep the cats in for the duration, sorry ! I have a wood pigeon who has been nesting near my back door every year for over a decade. The chicks seem to fledge pretty well, only one has landed on the ground rather than managing to fly into nearby trees. They normally only rear one or two to fledging stage.

pigeons only ever lay 2 eggs but may have more than one brood

Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 01/06/2022 17:30

Hello again! Pidge is still sitting on her egg, she’s been there over three weeks now and most websites say eggs usually hatch in 18 days. I’m not sure this one is going to hatch Sad

I’ve got quite attached to Pidge!

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EvilPea · 01/06/2022 19:21

Oh darling pidge. She’s clearly trying to buck the trend of terrible pigeon parents. You need a spring watch style camera on her

Robinni · 02/06/2022 13:21

@WhackingPhoenix Maybe hatched but can’t see the chick yet? Poor mama pigeon. How are the cats and dog getting on?

Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 02/06/2022 14:07

Robinni · 02/06/2022 13:21

@WhackingPhoenix Maybe hatched but can’t see the chick yet? Poor mama pigeon. How are the cats and dog getting on?

I had a peek in there when Pidge left the nest to eat and there’s still just a little egg in there Sad

Cats are losing the plot, I took them out for supervised garden time and one of them went straight for the nest again despite me being there, I had to drag him down and took a bunch of claws to the face in the process! Dog is also very interested in the general area but can’t get to it.

OP posts:
Robinni · 04/06/2022 09:22

WhackingPhoenix · 02/06/2022 14:07

I had a peek in there when Pidge left the nest to eat and there’s still just a little egg in there Sad

Cats are losing the plot, I took them out for supervised garden time and one of them went straight for the nest again despite me being there, I had to drag him down and took a bunch of claws to the face in the process! Dog is also very interested in the general area but can’t get to it.

Show quote history

At least the dog can’t get to it! Poor cats, you’re being more responsible than most! Maybe give the rspb helpline another call and see what they suggest re. When nest removal is possible.

Original poster
WhackingPhoenix · 05/06/2022 20:28

Well, I went outside this morning and there was a broken shell on the ground, empty nest and Pidge has flown away 😔

I can only imagine a larger bird or a rat got to it, we get a few around here as our house backs onto fields. I actually feel pretty sad! Hopefully Pidge builds a safer nest next time 🐦

OP posts:
Robinni · 06/06/2022 21:43

Oh! That’s a shame, but I bet your animals will be happy!

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