How do I keep birds off my tomato plants?

I live in an area that has a bird problem, meaning you don't ever want to park under a tree even if it's over 100 degrees outside! This is the first year I've tried to grow tomatoes, and the minute one starts to turn pink, mockingbirds will come in, peck to death the pink tomato, and then try out all of my green ones to see if they are good! It ruins all of the tomatoes I have on the plant.





I currently have a gate around my tomatoes, and I've heard putting up a netting might help, but I'm afraid it might not get enough sunlight. Has anyone here ever tried anything and got it to work?

How do I keep birds off my tomato plants?
I use chicken wire around all of the plants and fruit trees. It's got really big holes for sun to get in, but to small for any animal to get in. Plus it's really cheap and sold at almost any hardware store. It's also hard enough that you don't need to build a frame for it, just cut a few square pieces and tie them together with string or zip ties and you're all set.





Another trick is to get a fake owl, they cost a little but no birds will ever go near your plants, the only down side is they wont go near your bird feeder or anywhere near the house.
Reply:Put C.D's around the plants. The glare will make the birds go away. I guess its really strong. My neighbor does it and it works. Id rather say, hang the C.D's.
Reply:TRY A BIG PLASTIC FAKE OWL...if that doesn't work sprinkle a couple of drops of fox urine around....bought at a hunting or farm supply store. all small animals will stay far away if fox urine is detected.......only apply a few small drops to some landscape timbers or whatever wood is around...it REALLY stinks so use it sparingly
Reply:You can get special netting just for the problem you describe at any good home and garden center.


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You have to cover the entire plant top to bottom otherwise the birds can sneak in!


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Keep the netting well supported and away from the plant, otherwise the birds will peck through the netting.


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I don't have a mocking bird problem but my friends in Myrtle Beach do.


Where I live, I welcome the birds because they eat harmful insects so I don't use netting. I do use a rabbit fence to keep out rabbits and wood chucks.


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Reply:I answered with this suggestion for a similar problem and user said it worked...but I suggested for a (rabbit or gopher) problem that they try mixing up a beaten egg, dish detergent and water and spraying it on the plants. It's harmless to the plant and animal but it smells like rotten egg and deters most "critters." I don't know if it could work for birds, but it's a cheap remedy worth a shot! Good luck!





~KP
Reply:Hang aluminum pie pans on about 2 feet of string from some poles like old broom sticks, and let them blow in the wind. Scares the birds away.