Will pigeons have babies in an attic nest?
There are millions of Pigeons living in the U S. These birds typically live in groups of fifty to five -hundred birds, depending on space and available food. Good nesting areas are always scarce and so pigeons are always on the lookout for the perfect spot. Pigeons are often more than happy to nest in your attic. It is secluded, dry, and far away from most predators. I f your attic space hasn’t already been commandeered by rats, bats, or squirrels, the local pigeons are more than happy to move in! Once settled in your attic, they find the insulation makes great nesting material. So do all those boxes of keepsakes! Pigeons typically mate for life and breed year round. They will lay anywhere from one to four eggs at a time, but will also lay another clutch of eggs when one batch of fledglings is still in the nest. Both parents care for the young, so at least two adults will also be living in the attic with the fledglings.

These birds return to the same nesting spot year after year, unless it is eliminated. Pigeons spread disease and filth as well as pests like lice and fleas throughout your attic, and eventually your house. The fledglings, once they hatch, will be noisy and messy as well. The young pigeons can stay in the nest for as long as 45 days. During this time they will leave the nest to hop around your attic learning to fly. This can cause even more messes for you. Remember, the female pigeon will lay another clutch of two to four eggs before the other young have left the nest. This means that there could be a nest with up to eight chicks of different ages at the same times all living in your attic. The noise, mess, damage, and smell can be overwhelming.

Pigeons are also harbingers of diseases, mostly through droppings. Pigeons carry the danger of Salmonella, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis and 60+ other viral diseases that can be fatal. Pigeons also carry lice fleas and mites. Pigeon can make droppings at the rate of 25 pounds per year. This wet smelly guano can most certainly cause problems for your home! Once these pesky birds have moved in, getting rid of them is almost impossible. The best way to guard against this disaster is to check your home frequently for cracks and spaces that would allow access to your attic. Prevention really is the best cure.