How to stop bird taking a dump on yer tractor

[Mith]

Ok, getting fed up with it now. Seems the local bird populance either have weak bowels or my tractor has become a target. Ok, it is green, it might look like a tree. Ok, the steering wheel may look like a nice branch to perch on. But there is NO NEED to empty ya load, little birds, all down the levers.
Getting a regular occurance, so regular infact, that i now have a dedicated cloth for wiping off the slop.
Glad they havent taken to going on the seat yet, and also that we only have small birds.
So Bird lay off my tractor, what do i have to do to stop you unloading all the time?
/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
And calllmmm /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[billbill1]

Mith, do you have shotguns in England? I guess a tarp would be an answer also. Wire the tractor to high voltage current or tie a cat to the tractor.

 

[Mith]

Yip we sure do have shotguns. I fear that i may go further than the shell if i fired one though /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[droy]

Had the same problem, drilled a hole in the aluminum over head canopy above the steering wheel approx 1/2" from the front edge, when tractor is not in use, I have a length of string with a shower curtin hook which I clip into the hole, other end of string is an alum. pie plate which hangs right above my steering wheel, the wind moves it around, keeping the birds off the wheel; similar set-up above seat

 

[chim]

We had the same problem with one particular bird who thought the mirrors on Wifey's station wagon were his personal perches. This became a daily occurrence. She went out several times a day and chased him off. We tied plastic bags over the mirrors. Out of frustration, I told #3 Son he had the green light to send the offender to birdie heaven. A well-placed pellet solved the problem permanently..................chim

 

[DmansPadge]

I can't believe "Bird" would take a dump on your tractor! Shame on him. I wouldn't invite him over anymore! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[DmansPadge]

Chim... I can't help but laugh at that! That looks bad! I had a bird that was perching up on my drivers side mirror and he would, I guess, see his reflection in the side window and would run into it. He would fly around, land on the mirror, and do it all over again. Needless to say he left me "presents" from time to time. This went on for about 3 days. Like your problem, mine was solved with a well placed pellet.

 

[btolle]

I had a problem with birds getting into my garage when we were remodeling the house and had the door open all day. I got one of these Plastic Owls and hung it in the middle of the door. No more birds in garage. The one I have is about 18" tall and I hang it from a string so it moves in the breeze.

Later, the birds were trying to build nests under the patio cover. Moved the owl out there and no more bird nests.

Should be able to find something like that at a garden store in UK and hang it over your tractor, preferably where it swings in the wind.

Bill Tolle

 

[Mith]

Glad someone noticed the 'Bird' bit /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Do you think a garden gnome would do it? String it up by its neck?
The problem is one of my tractors down the road where i cut their lawn regualrly. It is parked in her woods, could hang the gnome from a tree? Maybe plastic bags would do?

Dont think my problem is as bad as yours /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (needs a bit cropped off the bottom of the image /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

 

[btolle]

I doubt anything but the owl will work. The owl is a natural predator that other birds try to stay away from, that's why it works.

If I were going to try something else I would try hanging some of those throwaway pie pans. They will spin and move in the wind and reflect enough light that it might scare the birds.

We used to use the tops and bottoms of tin cans on string in fig trees to keep the birds out. Wouldn't cost anything to try the tin can lids and see if it is enough to keep them at bay. Hang about 5 or 6 at different heights above the tractor and see what happens.

Bill Tolle