A few birds might not seem like a big deal, but unmanaged populations can quickly create real problems on a dairy. From feed loss to biosecurity concerns, birds can put herd health and even profitability at risk.
While there’s no perfect solution for ridding dairies of birds, control starts with understanding what’s legally allowed, taking timely action and using multiple strategies consistently. Starting early and applying consistent measures helps prevent issues before they escalate and creates conditions that make barns less appealing to these nuisance pests.
How Much Damage Can Birds Cause?
Bird-related damage and feed waste can be substantial, particularly when large flocks are present. Research from the University of Kentucky indicates a single European starling consumes approximately 0.0625 lb. of feed per day. While that amount might not seem like a lot, it can add up quickly. A flock of 10,000 birds can consume up to 500 lb. of feed daily, resulting in significant losses over time.
According to Matthew Springer, wildlife specialist, and Donna Amaral-Phillips, dairy Extension specialist, the impact extends beyond feed loss. Birds often target high-nutrient components of the ration, leaving behind an unbalanced mix. This inconsistency can negatively affect intake and animal performance, even when feed delivery is otherwise well managed.
Bird droppings are another headache. Manure from roosting birds can contaminate feed bunks, waters and barn surfaces, increasing the risk of disease transmission. When they have easy access to feed and housing areas, they can create added biosecurity challenges. Birds are known carriers of E. coli and Salmonella and can potentially carry highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. Working to keep these pests out of barns can help protect herd health and reduce the risk of disease.
Know the Legal Limits
Before taking steps to manage birds, producers need to understand the legal requirements that govern control methods. Bird control is regulated by state and federal law, so it is important to check with your state wildlife division before creating a control plan.
Many bird species are legally protected, so it’s important to know the rules before taking action. It is illegal to kill or harm protected birds without a permit, and you cannot disturb nests that contain eggs or young. If your control measures could affect these species, you’ll need a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, often obtained with help from USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services. Starting with your state wildlife agency can save headaches later and keep your plan within the rules.
Start With Prevention and Timing
Bird control works best when prevention starts early and is adjusted throughout the year. Even during winter, acting quickly can keep birds from settling in and establishing roosts that are harder to remove later.
Focus winter prevention efforts on:
- Sealing gaps around vents, eaves and rooflines
- Keeping feed areas clean and covered
- Installing plastic strip curtains on doors to limit entry
Birds tend to stick around when they find an easy meal, so limiting access to feed is essential. To reduce feed-related attractants:
- Clean up spilled feed daily
- Store minerals and additives in sealed bins when possible
- Keep commodity bays tidy and sweep up loose feed regularly
Water can also attract birds. If they can drink or bathe in waterers, they are more likely to stay.
- Prevent birds from perching on waterer edges
- Adjust water levels so birds can’t easily reach the water
- Clean waterers frequently to remove debris and droppings
Exclusion and Netting
Keeping birds out of barns is one of the most effective long-term strategies, but it takes planning and persistence. Because barns need airflow and room for equipment, completely sealing them isn’t always practical. Instead, focus on improving the spots birds are most likely to use.
Some practical ways to keep birds out include:
- Closing gaps around vents, eaves and rooflines
- Hanging plastic strip curtains on doors to limit entry
- Using netting in areas where birds tend to roost or nest
Plastic strip curtains are especially helpful because they let people and equipment pass through while keeping birds out. Any openings larger than half an inch around vents, eaves and lofts should be blocked with wood, metal or wire mesh. These steps won’t get rid of every bird, but they can go a long way toward reducing roosting and nesting in barns.
Make Roosting Sites Uncomfortable
Birds prefer flat surfaces for perching, so changing those surfaces can make barns less inviting.
Ways to discourage roosting inside the barn:
- Alter ledges to angles of 60 degrees or greater
- Add angled wood or metal sheathing to problem areas
- Install porcupine wire on ledges and rails
Outside the barn, you can also make your property less appealing by:
- Thinning tree branches near buildings to remove perch sites
- Reducing wind protection that shelters birds, encouraging them to move elsewhere
Scare Tactics Require Persistence
Visual scare devices and distress calls can help discourage birds, but they must be changed regularly. Birds quickly become accustomed to static deterrents. Combining visual and sound deterrents and rotating them throughout the year improves effectiveness.
Examples of scare tactics include:
• Reflective tape or colored flags
• Flashing or revolving lights
• Distress calls or AM/FM radios
• Wind chimes or loud noises
• Replicas of hawks, owls or snakes
A Year-Round Commitment
Birds are a persistent nuisance on farms, and their presence can affect everything from feed quality to overall herd health. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution to eliminate them completely, so managing their numbers and keeping them out of barns requires attention year-round. The most effective programs start early, use a mix of strategies and adjust seasonally as bird activity changes.
