Antifreeze to kill pigeons, would it be very toxic to dogs

[AdoraBell]

We have a pigeon problem, OH wants to use poison, I said no because dogs might eat the dead birds. So someone has told him to put antifreeze on the roof in bowls so they drink it. Quite apart from sounding like an evil plot thought up by some kind of despot, what would happen if the dogs get hold of a corpse?

[IWantMyHatBack]

[AdoraBell]

That's what I think too Iwant , so I'm looking for evidence that it would kill his favourite pooch, help me out here, please

[pinkhebe]

Well it kills cats, so I hope you haven't got any in the neighbourhood! On that basis I would expect it to kill dogs too.

[CakeMeIAmYours]

Yes, even the smallest amount is very toxic to dogs. Don't do it, please don't.

[Methe]

It's an incredibly unpleasent way to die. If you're going to kill something at least do it humanely.

[CakeMeIAmYours]

Rentokill will send someone out with an eagle or similar to frighten them off if the problem is really bad.

The birds have to be of a certain age though, can't do it with young chicks.

[IWantMyHatBack]

You don't need that- just tell him he'd be a total and utter shite.

Presumably it would kill foxes and anything else that might eat the dead bird?

[AdoraBell]

Thanks everyone, we have fake owls on the roof but the brood was so large by the time we got that done that they seem to ignore them. We actually have wild hawks in the area, another concern, that were trying to catch some but again, too many pigeons and the hawks gave up. OH has been using an air rifle - at least it's quick- and the hawks have returned. We're going into winter here, Chile, so they need to fatten up. Unfortunately he's the type of bloke who won't be told what to do, unless by another like minded bloke, so I need to find other ways to stop him.

We've already lost a dog to rat poison, not in our garden, so I'll tell him what's been said on this topic. or put the antifreeze in his tea

[AdoraBell]

Tried that in the past wth other things Iwant, made no fecking difference

[Scuttlebutter]

Antifreeze is a deadly poison to both cats and dogs in very small quantities. Please don't do this.

If DH really needs to manage pigeons, there are many better ways including the use of birds of prey.

From the Veterinary Poisons Information Bureau - ^Ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze, screenwash and
occasionally de-icers. It is very toxic to domestic animals
particularly cats. It is sweet tasting and very palatable and
just a few millilitres could cause serious toxicity and death."^

[AdoraBell]

Thanks scuttlebutter

I hadn't found anything on line, obviously looking in the wrong places. I'll see if I can print something from them.

I would never do it, it's the OH who thinks it's a great idea, (ffs) and as I said, "won't be told what to do"

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Our lovely young cat died of antifreeze poisoning, and it was utterly horrible. His kidneys failed and he became so ill - we jad to have him put down just days before christmas. The vet thought he was a very old cat - because he looked as if he was at least 10 - he was less than 2! Please don't let your dh do this.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

• • we had not we jad - fat fingers + smart phone.

[AdoraBell]

So sorry to hear about your poor cat.

Here people habitually put down rat poison, as I said we've lost one dog and another survived after three blood transfuions and a week at the vet's. Anyone would think that OH would remember that, but it doesn't fit with his current requirements.

[GrimmaTheNome]

There's a load of ideas for pigeon controlhere.

And details on antifreeze poisoning in dogs here.

[AdoraBell]

Okay, lot's of info on the pigeon link, thank you Nome , limiting food would be the most obvious but we're in a rural area of South America, there's loads of food for any wild bird or animal who cares to look for it.

I'll keep ploughing through to see what esle we can do. Have e-mailed the veterinary poisons bureau.

Shooting at twighlight could be an option, although I'm not a gun person- even if it is just an air rifle- says there that it discourages nesting. We're far enough away from neighbours to not worry about missed shots with range of the air rifle.

[LineRunner]

I thought it was illegal to poison animals these days, except for licensed pest control workers.

[GrimmaTheNome]

yes, limiting food is presumably only applicable for urban pigeons! I'm afraid you'll have to do something nastier, but lets hope at least its one that doesn't endanger other wildlife.

[AdoraBell]

Linerunner

It is in Britain, but we're abroad.

[LineRunner]

Well, it's illegal here because it is cruel and dangerous. Just tell him.

[AdoraBell]

LineRunner

He knows, doesn't give a feck unless it directly effects him, which will happen if "his" dog dies as a result of his actions.

[CakeMeIAmYours]

He sounds like a charmer

[mollymole]

Sounds a lovely bloke, have you considered giving him the anti-freeze.

[ThatVikRinA22]

why dont you just phone a proper pest control company?? why the DIY poison plot?

i dont like the idea of killing things but i am not silly and realise that sometimes things need to be controlled.

but for the love of god do it properly.

[AdoraBell]

I did mention that up thread mollymole I haven't quite decided. He certainly takes a fair amount of managing. One of them that the neighbours love because they don't actually know him.