[Charlie]

One of my mates at work keeps pigeons, (racing) and has just started supplying me with the result of clearing out his loft (about a carrier bag a week).
What I want to know is, how long I have to leave it before its useable, and what is the best way to store it?

[GrannieAnnie]

Did I read on here somewhere that pigeon p** is a bit strong on its own?  Personally, I'd put it on the compost heap.  Like I do my chook p** !!!!

[Aunt Sally]

So would I Charlie  

[gobs]

Triilium is your boy(girl), she will come on some weird time, as she is on the other side of the pond.

[GrannieAnnie]

She's All girl Gobs!!!!!!    

[WG.]

Makes a great compost heap activator / addition.  Or put it straight onto your comfrey patch.

[Trillium]

We keep 25 racing pigeons and the poo goes straight into the garden, mostly because there isn't so very much of it that it would cause problems. The birds also take a while to create a pile so you've got a mix of old and fresh. If you feel unsure, then add it direct in the fall/winter months and it'll soon be ready. Some people compost with it, but its more of a waste.
As for parasites and such, pigeon poo rarely has any as handlers must keep their birds healthy and in top shape to race, so regular health checks keep away such problems. Sick birds are always moved to another area so not to infect others, and I doubt your supplier would give you any of that questionable stuff.
Mostly I add my poop supply in spring when we do a big cleanout and I've never had problems; just be sure to add a little extra phosporous as pigeon poo is a bit high in nitrogen.

[Charlie]

Thanks for all your replies, I think that a carrier bag a week is too much for the compost so I think spreading it on the plot will be my best plan

[WG.]

Ahh .. so they are carrier pigeons  

I still say it is a bad idea putting it on your plot.

[Trillium]

Until you've tried it, Wiggy, how can you know?  

[WG.]

Until you've tried it, Wiggy, how can you know?  

Very true.  I'll shut up.

Don't blame me if you cause an algae-bloom on the Hudson Bay, Trill.

[Trillium]

I seriously doubt anyone would find algae bloom on Hudson Bay. Red tides and such are normally found in colder waters on ocean sides    
However, if you hear a pigeon flapping overhead, don't look up or blink  
Seriously, I've added pigeon poo to my veg gardens for many years and always get great crops.

[Selkie]

nothing to do with pigeons but the big thing i learnt this year is not to swim when there's a red tide :!:

[Trillium]

And most definitely do not eat any shellfish from a red tide area - guaranteed death! The dinoflagellates which make up the red tide are extremely toxic.

[noshed]

carrier pigeons, har har (sorry I'm a bit late)