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Wild Pigeon Droppings

 
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I inherited 2 acres in the county last year. Included were 8 grain bins-several without caps. These were full of pigeons nesting on the floor in 3-4 inches of droppings. We cleaned a few out for storage and I left a few uncapped for the birds. When is it safe to incorporate this pile (setting since last summer) into my garden and around my fruit trees/bushes? Can I till in a bucket full when I plant strawberry crowns next week, or will it burn/rot them? I am planning on creating a better space for these birds within their current system. I will include a picture of the manure pile and the birds current life style.
952F24DE-110A-4307-9798-D88DD98AC2F6.jpeg
One capped one uncapped
One capped one uncapped
3A237A8A-974D-49B2-9888-A9BAD477821B.jpeg
Not the best-but predator free
Not the best-but predator free
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[Thumbnail for 7B3F65E1-E46B-4F65-91F8-1CEC15AB4A8B.jpeg]
 
Posts: 670
Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut zone 0 / Mont Sainte-Marie, QC zone 4a
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Very nice! I have never had a problem with putting raw pigeon poop around my plants. I often plant clumps of the stuff downhill when it's raining and I see trickles that need slowing down. The roots can then go find what they want. Typically I put spent hay or leaves over the poop clumps for esthetics.

I replied in the other thread to you regarding nesting
 
pollinator
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Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b
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I'm not too worried about using pigeon guano, as long as there is enough biomass to temper its fertilizer effects. There is some risk of a nasty fungus associated with pigeon droppings, known to reside in the soil, that causes human disease (particularly in vulnerable people).

I am more concerned about the risk involved in cleaning out of the bins. There is a syndrome known as "bird fancier's lung" which seems to be more of a long term exposure thing. Still, respiratory protection and dust control measures would not be excessive.
 
I agree. Here's the link: http://stoves2.com
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