03/02/2026
Norwich is still having another very public “what do we do about pigeons?” moment: See: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7yp77e7v7o
The recent BBC News piece says a hawk was tried at Norwich Market, but it didn’t solve the issue long-term — and now Norwich City Council is exploring the idea of contraceptives mixed into grain, pitched as a humane, non-lethal approach.
Contraceptives are used in pigeon fertility control in some countries to reduce the number of chicks hatching over time. It’s typically treated bait (often grain pellets) given to pigeons in a controlled feeding programme.
The common active ingredient for contraception is nicarbazin, it is not a hormone. Pigeons eat the treated bait, and it interferes with normal egg development, so eggs don’t hatch. It’s temporary — if dosing stops, fertility returns. It’s not an instant fix: you’re reducing future birds, not removing the adults already on site.
To work properly it needs - consistent, controlled feeding (usually daily during breeding season), with a set-up that minimises access by non-target birds, and monitoring so you can show whether numbers are actually dropping.
In the UK, using anything like this would depend on the product being authorised for that purpose here and deployed under appropriate controls (you can’t just import and start feeding it out). I don't know of any products like this that are licensed here in the UK - anyone?
It’s an interesting concept - but it’s also a good reminder that bird control is rarely “one silver bullet”.
In the real world, lasting results usually come from an integrated plan: including scaring, proofing and food or population management.
If you’re managing a building, retail park, warehouse, canopy, or any site where pigeons are creating hygiene and reputation headaches, it’s worth stepping back and asking: what’s sustaining the flock, and what’s the practical, site-specific plan to change that?
The council is exploring the option to reduce the flock's numbers after complaints.
