January 5, 2026, 10:27 am | Read time: 5 minutes
When pigeons discover a balcony for themselves, it’s often not a cause for celebration. Dirt and noise can quickly become a nuisance despite a love for animals. PETBOOK author Nina Ponath is familiar with pigeon nests on balconies and explains how to handle the situation properly and what is allowed.
Suddenly, There Was a Rustle on My Balcony
Some call them “rats of the sky,” while others even use slingshots against them: Pigeons are not exactly among most people’s favorite animals. I find these somewhat clumsy-looking birds, which are, by the way, much smarter than assumed, quite likable now: Pigeons are monogamous and usually stay together for life. Their relationship is entirely equal. It goes so far that both parents produce crop milk to raise their two young pigeons (yes, they always have two chicks). Why am I such a pigeon expert?
It’s because of the pigeon nest I had on the balcony of my old apartment in Hamburg in 2019. I was on vacation in Gran Canaria for a week and broke my knee there. I spent the rest of the adventurous trip with a cast and thrombosis injections, and finally returned home quite exhausted after a long journey. On my balcony, I wanted to enjoy a secret cigarette and sat down with my casted knee on the balcony chair when I heard a rustle across from me.
I Could Have Done Without the Pigeon Droppings
Under the chair across from me, a pigeon had built its nest, and it seemed the two chicks had already hatched. At that moment, I was too tired to be surprised by anything, and since I love animals anyway (yes, even pigeons, mice, snakes, or whatever others might find “disgusting”), my little private pigeon loft was absolutely fine with me.
But not everyone feels the same, and despite my love for animals, I must say that I could have done without the many pigeon droppings on my balcony and the noise during the morning flight hours. Evicting the squatters once they’ve hatched is, of course, not an option, but what can you do if you discover a nest and don’t want to deal with the mess and noise?
Can You Simply Remove a Pigeon Nest?
Legally speaking, pigeons and their nests are protected under Germany’s Federal Nature Conservation Act. As long as the eggs are being incubated or the young birds are not yet fledged, it is prohibited to destroy the nest or drive the birds away. Anyone who does so risks a fine and bad karma. Only once the young birds have left the nest can you thoroughly clean the area and take precautions to prevent the birds from settling again.
What you can do is take preventive measures to make nest-building unattractive for pigeons. Before a pigeon starts building a nest, an observant person—unless they’re on vacation in Gran Canaria—will notice that the pigeon regularly visits the balcony. Nets, spikes, or wire mesh can help prevent access to the balcony. Fluttering ribbons or reflective objects can also (allegedly) deter pigeons. From my own experience, I must say that neither an ultrasonic device, which emits sounds unpleasant to pigeons, nor my dog had much effect. The most effective measure is to spend time on the balcony regularly.
If you find suspicious twigs in the corners of the balcony, they could be the start of a new nest.
When Do Pigeons Build Their Nests?
Pigeons nest from March to October; they can have up to six broods a year. The young birds become fledged 30 to 35 days after hatching. Until then, they are fed by their parents with crop milk and pre-digested grains until they leave the nest.
Are Pigeons Dangerous?
Many people dislike pigeons because they perceive them as unhygienic. This is not entirely wrong, as their droppings can transmit diseases such as salmonella or ornithosis, and they can also damage building materials. Pigeons can also transmit parasites through their droppings. If a pigeon has nested on the balcony, it is essential to remove the droppings properly afterward using a spatula, gloves, and work clothing.
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What to Do if There’s a Nest on the Balcony?
If the chicks have already hatched, patience is the only option. After a few weeks, the young birds will be fledged, and then the nest can be removed. In the meantime, you can enjoy being part of the “5 AM” club (cheers to the noisy neighbors!). Once the pigeons have moved out, you should thoroughly clean and disinfect the balcony to eliminate parasites or pathogens.
Conclusion: Pigeons Are Actually Likable Neighbors
You cannot simply remove pigeon nests. Once you discover eggs in them, your hands are tied, and removal would be illegal. You have no choice but to make friends with your new neighbors–who, as you now know, are actually quite likable.
Once the pigeons have moved out, remember: clean thoroughly and take preventive measures. And if, like me back then, you observe the birds for a while despite everything, you might even witness a small natural spectacle right outside your door, which makes the animals appear in a different light—less as “rats of the sky” and more as actually quite charming companions.