Pigeon Manure???? Good idea or Bad?

**Scarlet** · 22-01-2012, 06:22 PM

Others may disagree, but I can't see it being that different from chicken poo. Although I would put it in your compost bin and let it rot down before using it

**Snadger** · 22-01-2012, 06:27 PM

Its brilliant stuff for the veg patch, especially if its old. Use as you would chicken pellets as a high nitrogen feed.

**Potstubsdustbins** · 22-01-2012, 08:48 PM

There was some talk about pigeon fanciers getting some lung disease but I think that was down to the pigeons themselves. The other thing to bear in mind is that as far as I know racing pigeons don't stop to dine on the way home so you got a very good idea as to what they have been fed.

Colin

**Scarlet** · 22-01-2012, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by Potstubsdustbins View Post

There was some talk about pigeon fanciers getting some lung disease but I think that was down to the pigeons themselves.

It is also called bird fanciers's lung and is caused by inhaling dry dust particles in the air from droppings/feathers etc - it is from the bird itself, although not just pigeons, poultry and budgies can cause it. It's amazing how much dust can be in the air when you keep several birds in a shed. I don't think you would get it from bagged up poop.

**Potstubsdustbins** · 22-01-2012, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by Scarlet View Post

It is also called bird fanciers's lung and is caused by inhaling dry dust particles in the air from droppings/feathers etc - it is from the bird itself, although not just pigeons, poultry and budgies can cause it. It's amazing how much dust can be in the air when you keep several birds in a shed. I don't think you would get it from bagged up poop.

Yep that was my thinking to. Reckon it should not only be safe but has pointed out already a bit of good stuff.

Colin

**bearded bloke** · 22-01-2012, 10:14 PM

The brief consensus from previous posts I have read would be to use old (2years plus) direct on soil otherwise incorporate it into compost heaps as an accelerator

**Two_Sheds** · 23-01-2012, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by Minty View Post

found very conflicting evidence, for example "dont use it it will kill you!!!"

Pigeons crap everywhere, all the time: down buildings, on cars. We aren't dying in huge quantities from it.
Having said that, it's not a pleasant job dealing with inches & inches of dirty poop. What are they bedded on? Sawdust or newspaper?
I have the parrots (and guinea pigs) on newspaper, and it's no bother to parcel up the sheets with all the poop every other day or so. It's a lot of poop: it goes on the compost heap with everything else

Originally posted by Scarlet View Post

bird fanciers's lung and is caused by inhaling dry dust particles in the air from droppings/feathers etc

African Greys are particularly dusty birds and aren't recommended pets for asthmatics. You keep the dust down by regularly bathing/spraying your birds

**Scarlet** · 23-01-2012, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by Two_Sheds View Post

African Grey's are particularly dusty birds and aren't recommended pets for asthmatics. You keep the dust down by regularly bathing/spraying your birds

Thats scuppered my plan for a lovely bird in doors as my husband is asthmatic. I often rear chicks (chickens/turkeys) and during the early days when they are feathering up the dust is unbelievable. My grand father used to breed budgies so I knew they were the same, I didn't realise you would notice the dust with just one bird.

**Two_Sheds** · 23-01-2012, 06:28 PM

Some parrots are dustier than others, it's worth doing some research. Mine is really very dusty (dander) and I have to wipe layers of dust off everything every day. She gets bathed once a week, but still. If you don't bathe them at all, they can get really itchy skin and start to feather-pluck

My conure doesn't produce any dander at all that I notice (though he does bathe A LOT, in his drink cup

**Potstubsdustbins** · 23-01-2012, 07:52 PM

That birds got a far better sense of rhythm than me thats for sure.LOL

Colin

**Scarlet** · 23-01-2012, 08:04 PM

TS_ I am seriously jealous, I could watch those for hours. Off to investigate...

**bravo2zero** · 23-01-2012, 08:29 PM

Being on a site surrounded by pigeon folk i havent bought any manure for 10 years and it a good idea. If its dry i sprinkle it around my alliums throughout the year, around fruit in spring and around any brassicas which overwinter and it the best compost accelerator itll take a bin down in 6 months i can get three big bins a year. This year i am experimenting using it for hot beds.

**Loudbarker1** · 24-01-2012, 09:25 AM

I would use it as chicken dung, so compost first with plenty of straw or similar. A hot bed sounds like a fantastic idea.

**Minty** · 30-01-2012, 06:41 PM

thanks for all the helpful replies,
Cheers Minty

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Pigeon Manure???? Good idea or Bad?

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