Pest Control Fact Sheets
Feral pigeons
Many people see feral pigeons as part of our natural wildlife and enjoy seeing and feeding them. Part of their appeal is that they can become very tame and will take food from your hand.
However, they can also be a serious nuisance. Many people complain to us about them and the problems they cause.
Facts about feral pigeons
- Feral pigeons are descended from Rock Doves and interbreed with racing pigeons and pigeons from domestic pigeon lofts
- Colours vary considerably from blue-grey, through blues, reds, mottled patterns and charcoal to almost pure white
- The birds roost and nest on horizontal surfaces on buildings and other structures that provide a small amount of shelter. Balconies, flat roofs, ledges, loft spaces and empty buildings are often used if the birds have access
- Nests are constructed of twigs but can also contain rubbish such as pieces of plastic, they may even be built on or near the dead bodies of other pigeons
- Their natural food is grain and green vegetable matter but they will scavenge food and eat almost any foodstuff available such as dropped takeaway foods
- Peak breeding season is between March and July but feral pigeons can breed all year round. Normally 2 eggs are laid with 2-4 broods each year. The eggs are incubated for 18-19 days and the hatched chicks (squabs) are fledged and leave the nest after 30-37 days
Pigeon problems
Disease
- Pigeons carry a range of diseases such as salmonellosis, tuberculosis and ornithosis. Whilst there is no direct evidence that the diseases have been passed from pigeons to humans, the risk can not be discounted. Because of their potential to contaminate food and spread disease their presence in and around food premises cannot be tolerated
- Pigeon droppings, nesting materials and dead carcasses can contain a wide variety of mites and insects. These can then infest areas where people live and can then cause skin irritation, disease or allergic reactions
Damage to buildings
- Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but can also cause long term damage to buildings
- Droppings, nesting materials and feathers can block gutters and rainwater pipes causing blockages and water damage
- Ladders and fire escapes coated in pigeon droppings become slippery and unsafe to use particularly in wet conditions
Hazards to pedestrians and drivers
- Pigeon droppings and waste food left down for pigeons make pavements slippery especially in wet weather
- Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and cause a hazard to road traffic
Feeding pigeons
- Pigeons are wild birds capable of finding their own food. Human food does not contain the ingredients that the birds require for good health
- Feeding pigeons attracts them to areas that are not natural to them and exposes them to risks of injury. This is why you often see pigeons with feet and wing injuries
- Feeding results in all year breeding that causes overcrowding. The birds become stressed and disease and parasites spread quickly within the flock
- Large flocks of pigeons can drive smaller birds away from feeding sites. The pigeons can also spread disease to other birds, reducing their populations
- Waste food left down for pigeons can attract foxes, rats and mice
Pigeons and the law
- Most birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- The act allows the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by authorised persons using specified methods
- The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nets, gassing and sticky substances that may entangle a bird are illegal
The Barking and Dagenham approach
- While agreeing that feral pigeons can cause nuisance to the residents of the borough, we accept that they are a natural part of urban wildlife
- We recognise that the feeding of pigeons is of particular importance to certain communities
- In order to prevent, or minimise, the nuisance caused by feral pigeons, we aim to control where they roost, nest and feed, and, if possible, limit their numbers without resorting to killing birds
What you can do to help
- Do not put down food to feed the birds
- If you must feed the birds, feed them small amounts by hand, do not give them more then they can eat immediately
- Do not drop litter, especially food litter
- Keep your property in good repair so that the birds cannot gain access to the roof space
- If you have a balcony make regular use of it, this will help deter pigeons
- If pigeons do gain access to your property, clear away any signs of nest building before the birds lay eggs
- Consider pigeon proofing methods
How to contact us
If you have a feral pigeon problem or would like advice on pigeon proofing, please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct at the address shown.
Fact sheet
This information is also available as a downloadable document.
Pigeons 
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