Pigeons can strip brassicas surprisingly quickly once they discover them. Cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and purple sprouting broccoli are all vulnerable.
The most reliable answer is physical exclusion with supported netting. Scarers can help for a while, but pigeons usually get used to anything that stays in the same place.
If pigeons are already feeding on your brassicas, properly fitted netting is the most dependable fix.
Quick Answer: How to Stop Pigeons Eating Brassicas
| Problem | Best response |
|---|---|
| Pigeons already feeding | Cover the crop with supported netting |
| Young brassicas just planted | Net early before birds discover them |
| Tall crops such as sprouts or kale | Use a frame with enough height for growth |
| Loose or sagging netting | Tighten it and secure the edges |
| Scarecrow or CDs not working | Move or change them, but do not rely on them |
What Does Pigeon Damage Look Like?
Pigeon damage usually looks rough rather than neat.
Typical signs include ragged or torn leaves, large sections of foliage missing and, in severe cases, leaves stripped back towards the stalk.
It can be confused with slug or caterpillar damage, but pigeons usually remove larger sections of leaf. Caterpillars are more likely to leave smaller holes and frass behind.
Which Brassicas Do Pigeons Eat?
Pigeons will feed on most common brassicas, including cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and purple sprouting broccoli.
Damage can happen at any time, but pressure often increases through colder weather when other food becomes harder to find.
You may get away without protection for a while, but once local pigeons discover the crop, do not assume they will forget about it.
How to Protect Brassicas From Pigeons With Netting
Bird netting for brassicas works best when it is held above the crop on a sturdy frame and secured around the edges.
Leave enough height for plants to mature, especially with tall kale and Brussels sprouts, and make sure there are no gaps at ground level where birds can walk underneath.
Fine insect mesh can also work well if you want one barrier to help exclude both pigeons and cabbage white butterflies.
Do not simply drape loose netting over the plants. If the foliage presses against the mesh, pigeons may still be able to reach through and peck at it.
For mesh choice, frame setup and how to secure it properly, see our full Garden Netting Guide.
Common Netting Mistakes
Most failures come down to setup rather than the netting itself.
Common mistakes include:
- Letting netting touch the leaves
- Leaving gaps at ground level
- Building the frame too low
- Allowing mesh to sag
- Failing to check after wind or snow
- Leaving damaged sections unrepaired
Build the frame for the size the crop will become, not the size it is today.
Wet snow can also drag netting down onto the crop, so sturdier supports are useful on exposed allotments.
Do Scarecrows, CDs and Reflective Tape Work?
They can work temporarily, but pigeons soon get used to anything that stays in the same place.
If you use scarecrows, CDs or reflective tape, keep moving and changing them so they do not simply become part of the background.
Treat scarers as a backup rather than the main defence. Netting is much more dependable once pigeons are regularly feeding on the crop.
Keep Netting Wildlife-Safe
Keep netting taut, secure the edges and avoid loose or trailing sections. Check it regularly and repair holes as soon as they appear.
Whenever you lift the netting to weed or harvest, check that no bird has got underneath before securing it again.
Loose or sagging netting can trap birds and other wildlife.
Avoid improvised fishing-line or fine-thread barriers. Properly supported mesh is easier to see and much safer for wildlife.
When Should You Remove the Netting?
Leave protection in place while pigeons are still active around the crop.
If you are using fine insect mesh, remember that cabbage white butterflies may still be a problem even when pigeon pressure drops.
Remove the cover once the crop no longer needs protection or after harvest.
FAQs
Supported bird netting or suitable mesh is the most reliable method. Keep it above the leaves and secure the edges so pigeons cannot reach through or walk underneath.
Sometimes temporarily. Pigeons usually become accustomed to static scarers, so they need moving and changing regularly. Netting is more reliable.
They can if the netting rests directly on the crop. Keep the mesh supported above the leaves.
If pigeons are active on your plot, yes. Winter can be a particularly risky period because other food becomes scarcer.
