Feral Pigeon Birth Control and Population Management

Nicarbazin-based contraceptive grain provides a humane alternative to lethal pigeon control that is more effective long-term because it does not trigger population rebound.

Key Facts

OvoControl is a nicarbazin-based contraceptive grain approved in the US for pigeons
It reduces egg hatchability by approximately 50% when consistently provided
Lethal control creates population vacuums filled by surrounding birds within months
Contraception combined with reduced food access provides sustainable population management
Some European cities have adopted humane pigeon management programmes with success

Welfare Considerations

Lethal pigeon control causes welfare harm through shooting, trapping, and use of avicides without providing sustainable population management. Population rebound means killing must be continuous to maintain any effect. Contraceptive grain combined with removing supplementary food sources achieves humane, sustainable population management without the welfare cost of lethal control. Community engagement around humane management approaches improves both pigeon welfare and public acceptance.

What You Can Do

Support council adoption of contraceptive grain programmes for feral pigeons
Oppose lethal control programmes that cause welfare harm without sustainable effect
Avoid supplementary feeding of pigeons in areas where populations conflict with humans
Engage with local authorities about humane pigeon management approaches
Share information about contraceptive grain as a humane alternative to lethal control