Deterring Starlings

[Yorkshire lad]

We and our neighbours have been invaded by swarms of starlings The sky is black with them I have never seen so many. Its not just the food thet are eating, the gates and troughs are covered in droppings They really like picking the grain out of maize silage
Has anyone found a way of stopping them They don't seem bothered about bangers

 

[Lofty1984]

@Bald Rick shares your frustration

 

[Bill dog]

Have you looked up bird gard ?It plays distress calls , and various calls of birds of prey over 2 supplied speakers. I found it effective at clearing our slatted shed of starlings .

 

[Dave6170]

Portek laser pen

 

[cull cows]

Have you looked up bird gard ?It plays distress calls , and various calls of birds of prey over 2 supplied speakers. I found it effective at clearing our slatted shed of starlings .

It worked for me aswell

 

[Boysground]

Laser pen has worked well here

Bg

 

[Yorkshire lad]

Thanks folks, I'll call Portec in the morning

 

[Bald Rick]

We and our neighbours have been invaded by swarms of starlings The sky is black with them I have never seen so many. Its not just the food thet are eating, the gates and troughs are covered in droppings They really like picking the grain out of maize silage
Has anyone found a way of stopping them They don't seem bothered about bangers

We have been dealing with upwards of 8,000 Starlings a day across 3 large sheds since late October. Every cow and square inch of cubicle/feed rail now is coated in crap.
When you realise that each bird will eat 70g of food, it quickly mounts up.

I have to tell you that no matter what deterrent you try, it will have limited success.
Probably the most effective is a laser but they only work in dullish light and have to be backed up with shooting. Both are labour intensive and boring. You could buy an auto scanning laser but it’s £2k+
A raptor works well but tires quickly and are prone to flying off. Drones work but cows hate the noise. Amplified helicopter rotor noise works for a bit but drives everyone potty. Don’t bother wasting money on a squawker such as bird guard. Works fir a bit then they become inured to it.
Garlic based feed additives are expensive and won’t work once the birds are in.
Scaryman blow up dolls, kites and similar work for a limited time.
Unfortunately it’s just a case of praying for 20th March and hope they have an exceptionally poor breeding season