Before deciding whether to try to evict birds from your barn, do a bit of research on the species. Swallows, for instance, eat so many insects they are worth the mess they may make. And if you have a barn owl, do whatever you can to encourage him to stay and hunt mice. Some species of birds may be protected by federal or local statutes, particularly when they are nesting.
The most effective tactic for thwarting unwanted birds is to disturb their nests as they are building them. If you notice birds coming in and out of the barn frequently with twigs or horsehair, follow them to find out where they are going. If you can dismantle the in-progress nest a few times, the birds may give up and find another place to build. You can also try deterrents like spikes for rafters or wire over eaves, but most bird species are very good at working around these.
If birds have established nests, do your best to shield you and your horse from the mess. If bird droppings are falling into a water bucket, for instance, move the bucket. If a nest is situated above the crossties where you groom, move to the hitching post outside for a few weeks. If you can’t make changes like this, you may be able to build a small platform under the nest to catch the mess. There are no specific diseases that are transmitted from birds to horses in North America right now, but the droppings will have unhealthy bacteria.
Many people keep barn cats to reduce nuisance birds, but cats are indiscriminate killers of beneficial and nuisance birds alike. On the other hand, some cats are lazy and may leave birds alone completely.
HELP FOR HIGH-STRUNG HORSES
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Esta historia es de la edición Spring 2020 de Equus.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
PROGRESS AND STRUGGLE IN SENIOR HORSE CARE
A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirms what many dedicated horse owners have long known: Caring for a geriatric horse with a chronic health condition can be a significant physical and emotional burden.
THREE WAYS TO PREVENT BLANKET INJURIES
Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don’t rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. Here are three things you can do to avoid them:
PUT AN END TO BARN DRAMA
While it’s impossible to prevent all discord at the barn, conflict resolution techniques can help solve problems, restore calm and enable everyone to enjoy their horses.
The turning point
You don’t always get the horse you want, but sometimes you get the one you need.
A FOREVER HOME
How a Facebook post led to a midnight rescue and an unexpected partnership
Nice work if you can get it
A career focused on horses is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are many and can last a lifetime.
MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOUR OLD HORSE
The season ahead may be hard on aging horses in cold climates but with some planning and preparation you can help yours sail through until spring.
7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS
With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.
THE FIRST AMERICAN “SPORT HORSE” BREED
The very name of the American Standardbred reflects the performance requirement established at the inception of the breed. Here’s how genetics, conformation and training came together to create horses that could trot a mile in 2:30 or less, or pace it in 2:00 flat.
THE 6 WAYS HORSES LEARN
You’ll be more successful in teaching your horse new skills or maneuvers if your lessons, timing and tasks are aligned with his natural modes of acquiring information.
