hello, i'm wondering if someone can help and answer my questions i have 2 pigeons on my balcony nesting 2 eggs one was laid 2 days ago unsure of the time and the other was laidaround 1.30 yesterday, both mum and dad are here most of the time, i simply did an online search on incubation period and what 2 do as i grow veg on my balcony and the eggs have bin laid on my now non dwaf beans, reading online tells me 2 throw the eggs i simply couldn't wouldnt do that morally legally i know thats wrong........ so question is my veg fruit will not be safe 2 eat?????????????
Rosie, I am not sure whether your question is about food safety or about whether it is legal to remove the eggs. I can only comment on the legality. You are clearly concerned about the health issues in having pigeons nesting in or around your potential food source. In those circumstances you would be covered by a 'general licence' which enables you (as the landowner) to remove the eggs and dispose of them.
If you do so then make sure the area is blocked off and the birds cannot get back to lay again as they will if you take no action.
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its about both really don't want 2 disturb eggs or nest but i have a few months of home grown veg from tomatoes strwberries salad herbs chard blueberries spinach broad beans peas, what do i do dwaf beans is pot they choose squashed, i know pigeon poop is toxic , i still would like 2 find away of breaking my losses this yr or having eggs removed and a solution for next yr or am i safe 2 cut my losses veg this and a solution for next lived here 5 yrs first time that nested
If you don't want to remove the eggs as Bob suggests, then the veg won't be safe to eat.
Best wishes Chris
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thankyou, is there anyone i can contact whom will remove and hatch and raise
Rosemarie B said:thankyou, is there anyone i can contact whom will remove and hatch and raise
Hi rosie
No I don't think there is, especially if they have been laid by feral pigeons.
See the RSPB advice for deterring feral pigeons Here
so what do i do let nature take its cause ie leave em be or someone i can call for advice 2morrow yes they r feral surburban pigeons but......................
Rosemarie B said:so what do i do let nature take its cause ie leave em be or someone i can call for advice 2morrow yes they r feral surburban pigeons but.
If it was me I would remove the eggs, destroy them and make sure the pigeons couldn't get access again
thanks for that, what i have been told by everyone, just i physically cant do it and scared 2 let my poor dog on the balcony 2 due 2 disease they carry, will contact the council first thing, see if they can remove, it just seems wrong,even though i know i cant sudn't let them nest. just cant do it myself :-(
Rosemarie B said:thanks for that, what i have been told by everyone, just i physically cant do it and scared 2 let my poor dog on the balcony 2 due 2 disease they carry, will contact the council first thing, see if they can remove, it just seems wrong,even though i know i cant sudn't let them nest. just cant do it myself
Honestly, it's better if you remove the eggs sooner rather than later, before the female lays more and starts incubating them. I'm sure the Council won't come round straight away
Hi Rosie and welcome to the RSPB. Enjoy yourself here
I can your question being a dilemma for you, and I do understand why.
I would go by what has been said about removing the eggs as soon as possible and make sure that the pigeons have no further access to the same area or any other similar areas
Regards
Kathy and Dave