Hawk detterent

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Paint the pigeons tail. Hawks think it is one of their own.

With regard to colour and raptors, and their prey.

I know you will always get those who have seen this that and the other but.


There are thousands of wood pigeons that would be easier prey than any other bird, and some racers are taken that are as large as wood pigeons.


I have always subscribed to the idea that the wood pigeons markings around the neck area is a means of deterring the attention of raptors.


Regards.

An Italian vet came up with the idea. Read it on Facebook. Worked for the person who was losing youngsters every week. After the tail feather painting no more were lost. My personal opinion is this. Here anyway. My young go in to a landing board cage. They see the pigeons in the shed, ferals, get attacked by hawks. They learn from observation. Young out today flying. Hawk attack but missed them all. Hawks nesting around here. Seldom does an older bird get hit by a hawk. Lucky or smart? Do not know. Have to assume smart. But basic open loft keeps thier minds sharp and alert.
Must also say watching them fly and not get hit seemed to have kindled a feeling never had all winter. Full of piss and vinegar now! Races roll on!!!!

If it worked for one it would no doubt work for others perhaps a few trials of a few marked and others not etc; mark the ones you would prefer not to be eaten alive.

Anything to deter the attention of the pests would be worth while, to do nothing ???????.



Regards.

Yes was tried in Germany a few years back. Seems good early results... but then faded. Did ask Karl regards latest new regards the success rate... Seems, if I remember right, it dwindled in support as thought the B.O.P. Had got use to it.

In many cases in nature it is implied that certain species adopt colour or shape etc; to deter prospective attacks and these appear long standing.


I never had any real problems with raptors around the loft, 4 over the years, two to them, two to me.


Think it due to complete open loft when the young learn from their parents being with them all the time.



If I had trouble and was losing good birds, {they only seem to kill the best} I would take any reasonable action to safeguard them, and putting a bit of colour on the tail appears very little effort for a possible very good result, do nothing and the same situation exists.


Regards.

Often hear that Percy don't take wood Pigeons Colour - if true? Not size because they will take ducks. Neither will they by pass a pheasant! Where they just take the head off etc.

You could experiment pigeonboy, by painting half the pigeons tails and see if it makes difference, anything that can reduce the problem is worth a try.


Regards.

If one is going coat / paint a tail etc. Why not use a Pain Like, instead, or coat the back of their necks with the Juice of the rhubarb LEAVES!At least you will know if it doesn't work the nuisance won't be back.