How to prevent ravens dropping food in my fountain?

[DolceVita]

I’m having a problem with ravens (I think they are ravens), dropping food in my birdbath fountain. I’ve found bones, bread and body parts of other birds in there. Despite my kids extreme fascination and desire to have it continue, I don’t want it. The body parts especially are just too much.

How do I stop it? Any mesh style ideas that would allow the fountain to still work? The setup is just a pedestal birdbath with a solar power little fountain. 

I make loud noises everytime I see the birds but unless I plan on sitting there 24/7 I need a new strategy!!

Ideas appreciated.

[Jason]

Hi @DolceVita,

Could we please trouble you for some photos of the fountain so we can see what you are working with and what modifications might be suitable?

Let me also tag some helpful members in @mich1972 and @bergs to see if they might like to kick off the discussion with their ideas. 

Thanks,

Jason

[bergs]

Hi @DolceVita 

Ravens, are the same as what we call crows. They are ruthless birds.

It's breeding season for the birds at this time of the year and the reason that they drop things in your fountain is to soften it up to feed their young.

It's normal for Crows, Ravens, Currawongs and Butcher Birds to scavenge food including, raiding the nests of other birds to get their young, it's nature.

We can't do anything about it.

You could put a wire barrier of some kind up, but then you may deprive all birds access to water, especially on hot summer days. Even if you put a barrier over the area it may not stop the food etc. being dropped on that.

If you feed the birds with scraps I would stop that and see if it makes a difference.

Otherwise you will need to clean the fountain out every day and dispose of it in the rubbish bin.

Cheer @bergs 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @DolceVita,

As @bergs mentioned, ravens are known for scavenging and even bringing "treats" to share with others, especially during breeding season. If you’re feeding them scraps, it’s a good idea to stop, as they might be bringing you food as a sort of "thank you."

To help prevent this, you could try adding a mesh cover or netting over the top of your fountain. Just make sure it’s elevated enough so the water flow isn't obstructed. This can stop the larger items from being dropped in while still allowing birds to drink. Regular cleaning will still be necessary, but this might reduce the frequency of unwanted additions.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[DolceVita]

Thanks for the replies.

I don’t feed them as I don’t want them around. None of the lovely rosellas visit anymore since the ravens are around. I do think that maybe nearby locals feed them.

I will take some photos later.

Thank you.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @DolceVita,

I thought I'd add that we have several bird deterrents that you might like to take a look at.

Mitchell