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Question
I have two pigeons who have found a home on my balcony. They have nested and laid two eggs under a wicker chair. I have heard bad things about pigeons...lice, fecal matter being toxic, more pigeons will begin nesting etc. What should I do with them? Should I be concerned?
Pigeons are not the cleanest creatures in the world and they do have skin parasites, but they are a very minor health hazard. The lice and mites that live on them do not infect humans. There may be some bugs in their nest, but it's unlikely they will cause a problem. A hundred pigeons I'd be conncerned about but not a pair. And their fecal matter is not toxic. So I would not be concerned. But when they quit nesting, clean off the balcony. Roger Lederer
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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