Pros and Cons for Using Birth Control for Pigeons

It's not uncommon for pigeon populations to quickly get out of hand. Thankfully, today there are multiple methods, like birth control for pigeons, to humanely control their numbers once it's gotten to this point.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, to humanely control pigeon populations, you must stop feeding them, remove unintentional food sources, prevent roosting and nesting, or limit flock size with pigeon birth control, such as OvoControl.

Often, the first few steps to reducing pigeon populations are not enough. More than likely, you will need to bring in pigeon birth control to ensure that you can get the population size under control.

If you have a pigeon problem and are looking to get a hold of it, take a closer look at some of the pros and cons for using birth control for pigeons to decide if this is the proper method for you.

Explaining Birth Control for Pigeons

First off, it's essential to explain the background of how birth control for pigeons came to be.

Pigeons are known as year-round nesters, which means that a single pair of pigeons can quickly raise twelve or more young annually. The more space and food pigeons have readily available, which in urban developments is plentiful, the more you'll see these numbers start to increase significantly.

In efforts to find a way to control the pigeon population, researchers took to the development of a bird contraceptive to function similarly to how it does in humans. From this research came OvoControl, a product of the American company Innolytics, LLC.

How OvoControl Works

OvoControl is a kibble-type pigeon food that limits the likelihood of an egg's ability to develop fully. The active ingredient of the contraceptive has been used in chickens for enteric diseases, known as nicarbazin. The nicarbazin interferes with the vitelline layer of the egg, the membrane needed in an egg's development, serving as a sterilizer for pigeons.

Pros of using Birth Control for Pigeons

Now that you have a better idea of how birth control for pigeons works, it's time to look at some of the advantages of opting for this method of population control.

Humane Pigeon Flock Size Control

OvoControl has proven to limit flock sizes of pigeons by reducing the hatch rates. As a result, you can rely on the advanced developments of this pigeon birth control to diminish any problems associated with large flocks of pigeons.

Non-Toxic Active Ingredient

The active ingredient of OvoControl is nicarbazin, which has been used in chicken for decades. Nicarbazin was initially developed in 1955 by Merck and has been an FDA-registered anticoccidial for chickens for over sixty years.

The side effect impacting the hatchability of an egg occurred when nicarbazin was administered to breeder chickens. Innolytics researchers took this information, known to be an unwanted side-effect in chickens, to develop effective birth control for pest birds, including pigeons.

Not only is nicarbazin non-toxic, but it has also been vetted by several different national and international regulatory agencies, including: 

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States

• European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) in the European Union

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) in Japan

Various Feeding Methods

Another benefit to the use of OvoControl is you can feed it pigeons using various delivery methods, making it more convenient for a broader demographic.

Feeding Containers

For flocks with 50 or fewer birds, OvoControl can be distributed to pigeon populations using variously shaped and sized containers with perforation for proper drainage. Distributing the feed-like birth control through this method will ensure all pigeons feeding on the site, including everything from submissive or juvenile birds to dominant cock birds.

Hand Feeding

Another option for distributing OvoControl in an area with an approximate 20-foot radius is hand-feeding, also known as broadcast distribution.

Mechanical Feeding

Lastly, another, more popular option for OvoControl birth control for pigeons' distribution is mechanical feeding. For pigeon flocks greater than 50 birds, automated feeding can be used and works best on flat paved areas or flat roof areas with restricted public access.

Cons  of using Birth Control for Pigeons

In addition to the benefits of utilizing birth control for pigeons, it's essential to look at some of the downsides.

Use Through Entire Breeding Period

For OvoControl to be most effective, it has to be used during the entire breeding period of the bird. As previously mentioned, pigeons are year-round nesters, which means their breeding period is 365 days a year. Therefore, OvoControl must be distributed daily.

Thankfully, with the multiple feeding method options, the daily distribution of OvoControl is not something that is entirely out of reach.

Feeding Restrictions

Not only do pigeons need to feed daily on OvoControl for it to be most effective, but they should also ideally be eating at the same time each day. Also, to avoid any issues, it is best when there are no non-target species around for these feedings.

The ideal time for feedings is in the early morning hours on flat roof areas or flat paved areas. The best-case scenario is that these feeding locations are nearby roosts and perching areas for the birds.

Human Applicator is Necessary

At least in the beginning stages of the distribution of OvoControl, even with mechanical feeders, a human should be involved in the process. A few crucial factors human presence is necessary for include:

• Ensure no children or pets come in contact with feed

• Remove feed in wet conditions

• Assess the flock size at feeding

• Identify non-target species birds

Limited Availability Outside of the US

Currently, OvoControl is available across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. The Innolytics team is tirelessly working with other international regulatory authorities to expand its reach to be more readily available across the globe.

In certain regions, such as the United Kingdom, all species of birds are protected, making the use of products such as pigeon birth control more complicated as trials cannot be carried out. The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that it has commissioned research into contraceptives for animals, though.