In anticipation of birds finding my ripening figs, I was wondering ... what's the best way to keep birds from getting close to the fruit?

I see some trees with nets draped over the canopy, but birds could still peck the figs, because the nets lay on top of the leaves, and the figs are still vulnerable to being pecked.  The nets should be held about a foot away from any of the leaves, and figs.

I was thinking about a slip-joint PVC  "cage" that will be built with the trees inside, and then draping a big net over the trees.  The cage will be large enough to support the net AWAY from the ripening figs.  After all the figs ripen, I could then pull apart the temporary PVC "cage" for storage.

Any simple, and cheap, suggestions?

Frank

Customizable height and width.  I had been losing too many figs to birds that perch on top of the net when it lays on the tree.  I just put this up.

Thanks for posting the pic terowan.   My trees are mostly first year trees.  My netting and supporting structures are still in the project planning stages and will go into effect next season.  You guys that post pics of your cages are helping me out a lot.

Very nice looking tree too, by the way.

Thanks for the response.  That's what I had in mind.  After posting my original questions, I went out to check on my ripening figs, and one of the softest, nearly-ripe beauties, was half pecked away! 

So, I hauled the 6 ft. tree into my kitchen. : )))  Now I have no choice...I have to build a temporary cage for bird netting.  The photo came just in time.

Thanks!

Frank

Looks great, very nice set up.   



luke

 Tim...
     Great solution and helpful photo !!
                                    Fredfig

On most larger trees, the branches and leaves extend well beyond the fruit, or maybe all but the last fruit to ripen, so the vast majority of the crop is inaccessible through the net.

Good idea, and the pvc comes w a bunch of joint options too for easy set-up and storage.
One question- anyone aware of other relatively light weight materials or pvc tubing in green or brown? Wishful thinking I know, but I like to sit on the deck and see green in my mini-paradise, not bright white. 

I like my little rubber snakes and they seem to be working for now. I've been rotating shiny metal strips, rubber snakes, balloons with "predator eyes", my cat, my dog, me, and a sprayer on a timer. I just bought one of those motion sensor sprinklers but I may return it as my method seems to be working for now. But my method does require I be outside a lot. The above looks more practical.
Where did you get your bird netting and was it sold in manageable sizes?
Somewhere a few years back I saw a star shaped pvc joint - that would make a cool 5 sided net tent. 
Your system seems very practical and inexpensive which is great.
thx

John, You could spray paint the pvc pipe any color you want. You only need to have up while fruit is ripe. So paint should hold up for 5 or 6 years.


luke

If anyone is going to use the PVC slip-joint method for building a temporary net support...Goggle: specialty PVC fittings.  You'll find 4-way, 5-way, special elbows, and PVC clips to hold netting in place.  A lot of backyard greenhouse suppliers have these kind of special PVC joints also.

I'm going to buy a rubber snake tomorrow as a stop-gap.  I can't keep the tree in my kitchen much longer.  It's ridiculous!

Frank

Dave-Thanks
Frank-You're welcome
Luke-Thanks
Fred-Thanks
Jon- Thanks. Something to look forward to.
John-Spray paint (Luke beat me to it)
Michael-Seven Springs Farm

Luke,
I thought about painting it but was hoping for something easier. I guess I'll add that to the Spring time list. I have a big family- have to warn the octogenarians about the rubber snakes too.
Everythings doing good-thanks again.
John 

Frank, in the meantime, berry boxes work nicely, especially the ones with snaps built into the corners (it's easier to fasten the lid, and have it stay closed). If the rubber snake works, more power to you--but in my neighborhood, the only thing that seems to attract birds faster than figs is a snake.

Here's a photo of what happens to mine if they aren't boxed. (No harm was done to the "perp"--I still like the little stinkers, but need to do better at outsmarting them.)

Ken...

That's right...I forgot about the berry boxes!  Thanks!

That poor bird looks unhappy. :( 

You have a good heart.

Frank

If and when I have a bird problem I think I'll handle it with a cat on a leash tied to each tree, that means I'll need about 28 cats,,,,,, here kitty kitty,lol.