OvoControlĀ® P Overview

OvoControl feeder on a roofOvoControlĀ® P is a specially formulated bait that interferes with the hatchability of eggs from pigeons. OvoControlĀ® P contains nicarbazin, an active ingredient originally developed to prevent an enteric disease in chickens. Registered by EPA, OvoControlĀ® P is approved for use in pigeons, geese and ducks.

How OvoControlĀ® P Works

Recently published research has shown that the active ingredient inhibits the ZP3 sperm receptor sites on the vitelline membrane to prevent the fertilization of eggs. Sperm are effectively prevented from fertilizing the egg and therefore no embryo is ever formed.

OvoControl is Humane Birth Control for Pigeons

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), as well as other animal welfare groups, support the use of non-lethal technology to moderate the populations of pigeons. Left unchecked, pigeon numbers in a local flock can grow very rapidly. Bird Barrier’s egg hatch control technology enhances the quality of life for pigeon populations while controlling their numbers. The effects of OvoControl are analogous to spaying and castration programs in domestic animals, except that OvoControl is reversible.

OvoControl is Effective Bird Control

Under ideal conditions, with all pigeons in the area consuming the appropriate dose during the breeding season, the expected outcome is no new pigeons. The average lifespan of a pigeon is 2 to 4 years, although the population turnover through predation and disease is very high. The objective for OvoControlĀ® P is to minimize the hatchability of pigeon eggs. Studies conducted in the United States and Italy show the population of pigeons declining by 50% within the first year and the lower population density dominated by adult birds. The rate of decline is estimated at 5% per month.

When to use OvoControlĀ® P

OvoControlĀ® P baiting can begin at anytime during the reproductive season. Pigeon reproduction is concentrated in the spring through fall although, depending on the climate, they can reproduce throughout the year. With adequate food, water and nesting sites, pigeons can hatch eggs as often as six times a year.

OvoControlĀ® P Feeder Placement

Ideally, bait is offered in the early morning on urban rooftops in the areas where pigeons are nesting or feeding. For more permanent feeding installations, Bird BarrierĀ® offers automated feeders to ease the labor and manpower burden of daily feeding.
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