Coots
Coots, commonly referred to as Mud Hens, are known as the clowns of the bird world. They are so awkward in take off that they look like they won’t make it airborne. As a result, the last thing that the Coots want to do is take flight. They will run and swim away from you or anything that they perceive as a threat. Additionally, they can become quite aggressive at times. They have been known to attack both people and dogs in defense of their territory.
To achieve any success in Coot control, takes a comprehensive, methodical approach that includes pond and lake maintenance as well as harassment.
Unlike most of the other bird species that we encounter, the Coots are not Herbivores, they are Omnivores. That means they can and will eat virtually anything. From algae, to mosses and molds to bugs and insects, to eggs and babies, to garbage or other people supplied food.
In our experience, interdiction starts with the food supply. If your shorelines are overgrown with plant life, (which we will simply refer to as “reeds” for purposes of this discussion) then you are providing a food source as well as the perfect hiding and breeding grounds for the Coots to thrive. The thick reeds, often containing dead and dying plants, prevent adequate water circulation, which in turn allows the area to become stagnant. This then begins the decomposition process of the dead and dying reeds which begin to form Algae. Bacteria forms which then breeds bugs, which further fouls the water and provides a perfect food source for the birds. This condition, unless quite advanced, can be undetectable, all taking place below the surface of the water. Even if you consistently clean out the dead and dying reeds, if the numbers of plants are such that they restrict water circulation, even the healthy plants will support Algae below the surface. And the Coots have no problem diving for their food.
Once the food source is under control, and all of the nesting sites have been removed, the Coot numbers should decrease automatically. The remaining numbers can then be dispersed by harassment. Then you will have some daily visitors, but not squatters. If left unchecked in a favorable environment, a nesting pair of Coots will produce up to 14 offspring per year. So every 2 become 16 each year. You can see how, without some measure of control, you could be overwhelmed in short order.
We offer consultations to identify and guide you in any part of this process or we can provide these services for you.
To achieve any success in Coot control, takes a comprehensive, methodical approach that includes pond and lake maintenance as well as harassment.
Unlike most of the other bird species that we encounter, the Coots are not Herbivores, they are Omnivores. That means they can and will eat virtually anything. From algae, to mosses and molds to bugs and insects, to eggs and babies, to garbage or other people supplied food.
In our experience, interdiction starts with the food supply. If your shorelines are overgrown with plant life, (which we will simply refer to as “reeds” for purposes of this discussion) then you are providing a food source as well as the perfect hiding and breeding grounds for the Coots to thrive. The thick reeds, often containing dead and dying plants, prevent adequate water circulation, which in turn allows the area to become stagnant. This then begins the decomposition process of the dead and dying reeds which begin to form Algae. Bacteria forms which then breeds bugs, which further fouls the water and provides a perfect food source for the birds. This condition, unless quite advanced, can be undetectable, all taking place below the surface of the water. Even if you consistently clean out the dead and dying reeds, if the numbers of plants are such that they restrict water circulation, even the healthy plants will support Algae below the surface. And the Coots have no problem diving for their food.
Once the food source is under control, and all of the nesting sites have been removed, the Coot numbers should decrease automatically. The remaining numbers can then be dispersed by harassment. Then you will have some daily visitors, but not squatters. If left unchecked in a favorable environment, a nesting pair of Coots will produce up to 14 offspring per year. So every 2 become 16 each year. You can see how, without some measure of control, you could be overwhelmed in short order.
We offer consultations to identify and guide you in any part of this process or we can provide these services for you.
At Flock Shock, we remain committed to
help you solve your Waterfowl Issues,
not just chase your birds around!
help you solve your Waterfowl Issues,
not just chase your birds around!