[LoopyLouLou]

I have numerous blackbirds,sparrows,blue and yellow tits and pigeons coming to my garden every day to be fed and I really enjoy feeding them but my neighbours have reported me to the council and I have been threatened with breaching my tenancy agreement? They have even gone as far as reporting me to the environmental health even though an article in our local newspaper confirmed that the rise in pigeons was due to numerous properties being demolished in the area. Can anyone advise me of my rights as i am reluctant to stop feeding the smaller birds and i cant do this without feeding the pigeons?

[Christine R]

If you just feed small feed, like black thistle that is something only the small birds like and the pigeons can't even eat that. Larger seeds like sunflower and corn/rice the pigeons really like.

[Vincent]

YES! Don't do it. We are plagued with seagulls here, theytear open bin bags, crap all over your car and washing,make an awful noise and Prattish people still go out witharmfulls of bread for them! Consider your neighbours, please. Nature looka after it's own!

[mother sensible]

Think about it, I am an animal lover and have studied animals for years. Wild creatures do not need feeding! They managed millions of years without our help and they don't need it now. If you must feed them do it in Winter when food is harder to find. Otherwise you are upsetting the natural balance of nature.

[Muleman]

You have a civil and personal right to feed the birds. You do not have the right to do it to the extent that it causes annoyance and possible anti social interference with your neighbors. Or that there is an increased reasonable risk of birds fowling your neighbors property (washing on the line etc) or creating a health risk etc. Remember some people have allergies and phobias around birds!The important word here is 'REASONABLE'! If it has been shown that your feeding the birds has increased the number of birds visiting your garden beyond what can be considered normal. Then you are being a nuisance and can be warned, prosecuted and evicted if you persist! So do it quietly, and in a way that your feeding is less obvious and less obtrusive/invasive to your neighbors. Anyway what sane reasonable person would want to cause neighbors distress! Remember the birds were feeding themselves long before you came along. People First! Animals Second!

[hardcore_pawn]

no you can´t physically be stopped unless they put you in prison for it, even then you could save some of your lunch and take it out during break time and feed some flying vermin at will.the local council can try and stop you, however get yourself a good lawyer and you´ll be able to run rings around them, you could use feeders that are designed for small birds only and of course the council need to prove that you are actually feeding the birds, which in todays society is extremely difficult thing to do. what will your neighbours do? film you? I think that´s illegal

[}SoC{bounty]

i was feeding the birds where i live and i was told to stop as it encouraged rats the council can be strict about this if people complain

[Robster1]

Sorry LoopyLou but yes you can definately be stopped from feeding them if it is causing a nuisance to others. There is no harm in encouraging small wild birds into your garden like Robins, sparrows, Thrushes, Tits etc and feeding them but it's the pigeons that are jeopordising your case. Pigeons are not so choosy where they do their droppings and if they are congregating in any numbers around your and your neighbours houses they are creating a potential enviromental health hazard. This is prosecutable in court and you can face having your Tenancy agreement cancelled. They can't exactly throw you out onto the street but they can move you to another area if you are found guilty. I have even heard of people being issued with ASBO's. It's laughable isn't it !!My advice is to buy hangable feeders and feed the small birds that way or stop feeding any birds for a few weeks. Pigeons are greedy they will go somewhere else to find food. Then you can gradually start feeding the small birds again using hanging feeders, seed balls etc. I hope I have not scared you too much. I would also advise you contact a solicitor or as they are expensive have a word with the CAB (citizens advice bureau) they are very helpful in such matters.

[Ian M]

Best thing to do is feed the smaller birds using bird feeders. This will attract the smaller more welcome birds. Pigeons are seen as pests therefore people will hate you for feeding them. In some areas they are seen as a health risk and may have to be moved on or certain prevantive measures introduced. However in saying this there is no law against what you are doing!