[dougsta]

Planted Aquadulce in the autumn - about 70% of them have come up - so I have about 70 plants 1-3 inches high.

The big question is - will I still have 70 plants if the pigeons have their wicked way?

This is the first time I've planted broad beans directly in the soil to overwinter and I don't know if these little seedling will survive the flying rat attack if left unprotected.

Any experience of this?

[Aunt Sally]

I have net over mine to keep the sweet birdies off 

[Larkshall]

Pigeon pie with beans sounds alright. You need to be a good marksman, use an air rifle from an elevated position.

[Salmo]

Pigeons do not usually bother them but last year I lost a whole row to jackdaws which pulled them and left them lying about. They were Spring sown beans just peeping through. Yours are bigger and are probably OK, but do not take my word for it.

[francisgreen]

I have had some damage to my beans but don't know who to blame as

my patch is on the edge of a shoot, and the No 1 enemy is the pheasant!

They seem quite keen on anything green.

[poppies]

Pigeons had the lot of mine last year  - saw them  so I will be netting this year

[woodburner]

Pigeon pie with beans sounds alright. You need to be a good marksman, use an air rifle from an elevated position.

That reminds me of the story of King Canute . . . 

[lacewing]

was he drunk?

[dougsta]

OK - netting looks like the way to go - especially as we have the same problem with pheasants - a double whammy on bird problems.
Not sure I've got the time to lay in wait with a gun though.

Anyone got any top tips on netting? Supporting the netting is not one of my strong points - as you'll see from the piccies of my 3 caulis in my intro on the other board.

What's the secret guys?