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Advice for a friend please

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 10:33 am
by Diamond Dave
Gotta a mate in our village with a little small holding where he keeps doves in a tradional dovecote.
For the last few years the doves have been annhialated by sparrowhawks.
Apparantly the doves form of defence is to simply turn around and put its tail up the air - as much use as a chocalate teapot.
I have suggested that he tries some white or coloured pigeons.
He realises that he will still lose some of them to SH but we both think they would be a little more savvy than the doves.
So my question is - has anyone got any ideas on how to train youngbirds to a traditional dovecote....?

Re: Advice for a friend please

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 11:42 am
by Winfort Lofts
Diamond Dave wrote: Sat Mar 07, 2026 10:33 am Gotta a mate in our village with a little small holding where he keeps doves in a tradional dovecote.
For the last few years the doves have been annhialated by sparrowhawks.
Apparantly the doves form of defence is to simply turn around and put its tail up the air - as much use as a chocalate teapot.
I have suggested that he tries some white or coloured pigeons.
He realises that he will still lose some of them to SH but we both think they would be a little more savvy than the doves.
So my question is - has anyone got any ideas on how to train youngbirds to a traditional dovecote....?
My Grandad raced to a dovecote at one point back in the day. I remember him saying that he used to "lock" them in the "boxes" with half a house brick. They could see out and around, but not enough room for them to get out.

Unfortunately this was a long time before I was born so can not provide any more details unfortunately!

Re: Advice for a friend please

Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2026 11:46 am
by Anthony webster
Road lantern that goes on a skip the orange flashing light helps n put a decoy Eagle owl up but move it around each week ok