Expert’s guide to protecting bird feeders from pigeons and other pests

Richard Green, wildlife expert and head of production Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies

Wildlife expert and head of production Richard Green from Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies reveals the key changes Brits must make to keep pests from their bird feeder.

“Pigeons tend to flock in large numbers, which often causes overcrowding at feeders. This additional strain can cause physical damage to feeding ports, perches, and other components, making it difficult for smaller bird species to access food.

“Pigeons have strong beaks that can exert force when pecking at feeders, especially those made from softer materials. Over time, this can lead to significant wear and tear, making the feeder less effective and potentially unsafe for the intended bird species.”

“Mesh cages are a great physical barrier to keep pigeons away from your bird feeders. These cages allow smaller birds to pass through and access the food while blocking larger birds like pigeons from doing the same.”

“Certain types of bird food, like safflower seeds and nyjer seeds, are less appealing to pigeons but still highly attractive to smaller birds. By choosing these less attractive options, you can naturally reduce the presence of pigeons at your feeders.”

“Regular maintenance and monitoring of bird feeders are essential for preventing damage from pigeons. Cleaning feeders to avoid seed accumulation and promptly repairing any damage can keep larger birds from accessing food and make sure that your feeder remains in good working condition for smaller birds.”

“Squirrels and other animals can cause problems at bird feeders by scaring smaller birds away from the food, which can affect their survival. In a previous study, predators attacked 74 out of 102 bird nests, with squirrels responsible for 11% of these attacks, showing how bird feeders without protection can put nearby nests and eggs in danger.”

“One of the most effective ways to deter squirrels and other unwanted animals from your bird feeders is by placing them out of reach. Position feeders away from nearby trees or other surfaces that animals could use to jump onto the feeder.”

“Baffles are a highly recommended tool for keeping animals like squirrels, raccoons, and mice from accessing your feeders. These are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to prevent climbing, a simple yet effective barrier.”

“Installing a seed tray beneath your bird feeder can help catch fallen seeds, which might otherwise attract unwanted pests such as rats. This simple addition can make a big difference in keeping your bird feeding area clean and safe.”

“Platform trays, while convenient, tend to leave seeds exposed, making them especially vulnerable to other animals. To avoid this, consider using more enclosed types of feeders to reduce the risk of attracting animals like raccoons and rats.”

“Weight-sensitive feeders are a fantastic solution for keeping larger animals from raiding your bird seed. These feeders automatically close when triggered by the weight of heavier animals, allowing only the smaller birds to access the food.”