Capturing The Birds

The capture of live birds and transport to our aviaries

Our team uses baits and traps to capture birds without killing them. Pigeons are easier to catch than most birds because they are semi-tame. The flock to which they belong can be attracted with corn or unsalted peanuts.

Our Methods: 

Method used during the day, particularly effective, non-lethal and without risk of injury. Allowing us to capture up to a dozen birds at a time. The trapgallier is particularly effective for catching pigeons near industrial and agricultural buildings. The functionality of this one is rather simple: The cage is installed on a balcony, a roof or on an empty place sheltered from passers-by. A seed bait is used to attract as many birds as possible inside. Once our goal is reached, a ratchet mechanism allows us to close the cage, capturing the birds.

As its name suggests, the mist net is a system for catching flying birds used by the Japanese for more than three centuries. It is now widely used for ringing wild birds. This non-lethal and risk-free method is used in addition to the trapgallier. The principle is relatively simple: the net is installed vertically near the trapgallier. At first glance resembling a volleyball net made of nylon, the mesh is hard to see and birds that swoop in from one side or the other will be caught thanks to a pocket underneath. 

By hand, or using short-range nets This method consists of catching the birds manually: a task for which our agents are trained and qualified. As the youngest pigeons do not leave the nest, capture by trap or bait is ineffective. Picking up the baby, as well as any other bird that may have escaped us, by hand is a mandatory recourse to ensure that there are no more pigeons left. This method is carried out at night because pigeons are daylight animals. This makes it easier for our officers and reduces stress on the birds. 
 

Once the birds are captured, they are entrusted to our partner, the LWP (London Wildlife Protection). They are treated of their parasites, fleas, mites and cured of any disease. They are then sorted. The youngest are separated from the adult pigeons and benefit from monitoring adapted to their needs (specific food, etc.) to be able to join the adults who are transported to our aviaries 150 km from London. The time to adapt to their new climate, they will then be released in a natural park specially designed for them and sheltered from humans.