|
Do you have questions about being vegan? Send them
to Jo using this easy form.
She would be happy to address your individual concerns
as well as general inquiries about vegan ethics, philosophy,
practical applications, and living compassionately.
Jo cannot respond to questions about nutrition or
answer questions that have already been addressed in
the Archives
Jo will make every attempt to answer each question
personally, however, due to her schedule, this may not
be possible. If a reply is forthcoming, it could take
up to a few weeks, so please be patient. It is also
possible that your question will be answered directly
in the "Ask Jo!" column rather than an individual
response.
If you'd like to view previous questions Jo has
answered, visit the Ask Jo! Archives.
Deterring
Pigeons
I was wondering if you know of a humane
way to evict pigeons off of a balcony. My grandfather
is frustrated with these pigeons that are attempting
to roost and nest on his balcony and he is getting ready
to take a pellet gun to them. What alternatives are
there that I might suggest to him?
Shooting a pellet gun at the pigeons
is cruel and unnecessary and will only dispense of the
birds temporarily -- others will come to take their
place. Your grandfather needs to make the balcony an
unpleasant space for the pigeons -- then they will not
want to return and will seek refuge elsewhere.The horizontal
surface and protective confines of the balcony are attractive
to the birds. Therefore, a modification to the physical
environment will encourage them to go elsewhere. Your
grandfather could try attaching large sheets of crumpled
silver foil, crumpled brown paper, or a stretched out
"Slinky" toy to all the popular areas of the balcony.
The uneven surfaces combined with the noise should help
to discourage and detract the pigeons. A more visually
pleasing alternative would be to place containers filled
with flowers or plants on the floor and ledge of the
balcony. However, do not put out empty receptacles or
the pigeons will consider them enticing nest boxes.
Another option is to create a slanted ledge so that
the birds will slide off when they try to land. This
can be done using a wooden board or aluminum sheeting
affixed at a 60 degree or greater angle. Noise is another
deflective technique, although neighbors might complain,
so this may not be too practical. The Bird Barrier Company
specializes in humane bird exclusion devices. For a
free catalog, call them at 1-800-503-5444.
Copyright © 1998-2013 by Jo Stepaniak
All rights reserved.
Nothing on this web site may
be reproduced in any way
without express written permission from the copyright
holder.
|
