Martin.O'Brien wrote:
<A last resort of course is to replace western red cedar with hardwood or metal
fittings/frames. I am not aware of any ultrasonic devices or reliable paints
that can be used to address the problem. Ian Temby, the NRE Wildlife Damage
officer, would have more to offer and may answer this issue when back in the
office next week.>
Martin covered most of the points I would have raised, but it is worth adding
that paints and compounds repellent to cockatoos under other circumstances (when
placed on food), do not deter cockatoos from demolishing timber. I assume that
taste is irrelevant when they are simply biting off bits of wood as a beak
maintenance activity/pastime.
Ultrasonic sounds should not work, because the range of bird hearing is similar
to the range of human hearing - they cannot hear ultrasonics. Other noise
devices may have a "novelty effect" for a short time, but many birds become
habituated to most noises if the noises are not associated with some aversive
stimulus. The birds' own alarm or distress calls may be an exception, and I
know of examples where alarm calls have been part of an effective scaring
strategy.
I would see whether neighbours are attracting cockatoos to the area by feeding
them, and see if they are prepared to stop doing this. A last resort is to
contact the local Department of Natural Resources and Environment office to
obtain a list of licensed bird trappers, who may be able to trap and remove the
birds involved in damaging the house.
Cheers
Ian
=======================================
Ian Temby, 1999 Churchill Fellow
Wildlife Damage Control Officer
Secretary/Treasurer, Birds Australia Parrot Association
Flora & Fauna Program
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Parade
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
AUSTRALIA
Phone 613 9412 4429
Fax 613 9412 4586
E-mail
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