Wild Pigeon Droppings

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.

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

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.

Thanks Ra! The flock has grown tremendously since the last post, recent warmer winters has upped the survival rate I think, and kept everyone in the mood for love. They’ve been cooing and dancing  on top of the grain bins all day. I finally sat down and watched them through the binoculars for awhile. So many pretty colors now and it’s easy to make notes of the silly males spinning and cooing to their other halves. I’m particularly impressed by this one fellow with an iridescent cinnamon head, buff back & wings and a white rump. 4 years ago they were almost all “pigeon colored.” 😁