An Introduction to the Pigeon Trap

A good pigeon trap is an efficient,  effective and humane way of reducing the numbers of feral pigeons.  Feral pigeons which can quickly accumulate in large numbers, damaging building and creating a health hazard.  One means of controlling pigeons is by trapping and removing them from the areas where they have become a problem.  The lethal control of pigeons is permitted in the General Licences issued annually by Natural England and the equivalent bodies in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

You may occasionally capture a ringed bird amongst the feral birds. Sometimes this is a racing bird that has joined a feral flock but just as likely it’s a bird on route which has stopped for rest and food. Either way any ringed bird should be separated from the others and released as quickly as possible.  If a particular bird is recaptured over several days, make a note of the ring number and contact Royal Pigeon Racing Association. Racing Pigeons have a high financial and emotional value to their trainers so every effort should be made to return them unharmed.

Commercial pigeon traps are usually fairly small wire cage traps, typically 1m long, 500mm wide and about 300mm high.  They use either ground funnels or ‘bob wires’ which allow the birds to push past in one direction but which will not swing back the other way.

We make our traps much bigger and use them is a different way to dramatically improve catch rates, bird welfare and reduce the trap management time.

Making a pigeon trap

Our book Trap Making Step by Step gives details for creating a bob wire entrance using commercial bob wires (available in the shop) and the sizes of cage to mount it in.  More Trap Making includes plans for making funnels and improvements to the trap design.

Bespoke Pigeon Trap

 

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