Bird droppings on outdoor orchids

[wjbrown]

Should I do something about the bird droppings that appear on my outdoor orchids? Cattleyas, oncidium, Denphals, etc. Some are growing on the tree, others are in pots with bark. I water once a week and mist once in the dry season (four months) and it usually rains every day or so in the wet season.

Should I wash them off? Keep them from getting onto the potting medium? Ignore?

[Jeremy]

Orchids are epiphytes (tree dwellers) in nature and are often exposed to bird droppings. Often bird droppings are a source of nutrients for orchids in nature. I would say that if it is unsighty, go ahead and wash the droppings off. However I think it does no harm if you leave them on.

[Mbrouwer]

When pest birds overpopulate they leave a buildup of droppings that can carry up to 60 diseases dangerous to everyone, especially children, the elderly and people with AIDS/HIV or cancer. (Not to mention leave my Orchids less than prestine.)

Scare devices will only work perpetually if they dynamically change or move. There are cost effective tools to make any area intolerable for pest birds. Permanent solutions incorporate dynamic technology and deter pest birds constantly. These are environmentally friendly, harmless and inconspicuous.

Bird-X, Inc is the industry expert and leader in bat and bird repellent technology, since 1964. Bird-X, Inc. is at your service for follow-up stories, interviews and industry expertise. Call for a free government, residential or business consultation.

Mark Brouwer
Public Relations
Bird-X, Inc. Bird control products to repel pigeons, control goose problems and other animal and garden critter pest infestations.
Mbrouwer@bird-x.com
300 N. Elizabeth St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(800) 662-5021 or (312) 226-2473
Fax (312) 226-2480

[Dorothy]

Although I do not care for pigeons at my feeder or in the yard, I do like having the songbirds, woodpeckers, chickadees, etc as they have keep the insect population down.
Thank God, bird and bat poop doesn't fall from the sky like rain here ...

So Mark, what kinds of orchids do you have .. why not tell us a little bit more about yourself in the break the ice introduction forum

[Mbrouwer]

They are very beautiful and require an extra bit of attention. I'm in tune with the pigeon problem, not only because I work for Bird-X, but I live very close to an elevated train and pigeons use to make camp above my back yard. I can tell you that I like to keep my Orchids (and car!) pigeon poop free

Mark Brouwer
Public Relations
Bird-X, Inc.
Bird control products to repel pigeons, control goose problems and other animal and garden critter pest infestations.

[Dorothy]

WELCOME Mark
Glad you can join us here at OB
Awesome looking odontoglossum - I love the white edging!
http://www.odontoglossumalliance.org...hicum%2021.jpg
IOSPE PHOTOS
Interesting that it is a cool to cold grower .. I am not aware of any cold growers, yet .. well now I am ..

Here is a great link on more Cyrtochilum orchid species photos - Cyrtochilum
I like the ioplocon and dipterum
Please post a or 2 - I would love to see it's flowers

I bet if you move to the suburbs or the country .. your pigeon problem may be solved

[wjbrown]

My gut feeling agrees with Jeremy, though I thank Mark for his interest and advice. I think bats are neat creatures, I guess I'll have to take bird droppings along with the good. I don't have pigeons, but there's quite an assortment of other species.

[Tindomul]

I can imagine an over abundance of bird droppings to be akin to over fertilizing and buring the roots and leaves etc... Especially bird droppings that are so acidic.

[ethan1066]

you must not take it lightly ..though they are not harmful for humans but that could affect the other pets and little children ..so you must wash them..and take a advice for the pest control...

[HeidiN]

Don't let your children eat your poopy orchids and you should be good to go. lol