Automated Feed Stations for Goose Population Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling nuisance herbivore fowl populations, particularly Canada geese, are ineffective in the long term as they often require widespread chemical repellent application, landscape modification, and harassment techniques that can annoy humans and are costly, and do not provide a sustainable solution to deter geese from congregating in undesirable areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of adulterated feed treated with avian repellents in areas where geese are not desired, combined with non-adulterated feed as an attractant in alternative areas, using automated repellent and attractant stations to deter geese from congregating in unwanted locations while providing a more appealing food source in tolerated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If widespread chemical repellent application and harassment techniques are used to deter geese, then geese are temporarily driven away from undesirable areas, but these methods are costly, require extensive manpower, and do not provide long-term effective control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces automated feeders as intermediary devices that deliver repellent-treated feed to geese. These feeders act as mediators between the control system and the geese, providing consistent, timed delivery of deterrent feed without requiring continuous human intervention or complex harassment techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service control by using automated feeders that operate independently once programmed. The feeders automatically dispense repellent-treated feed at scheduled intervals, and the system can self-monitor feed levels and operational status, reducing the need for ongoing human management and complex external control measures
2Productivity
If automated feeder systems with timed delivery are used, then manpower requirements are reduced and cost-efficiency improves, but the system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular components: automated feeders, repellent storage units, timing mechanisms, and monitoring systems. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently managed or replaced, making the overall complex system maintainable and scalable based on specific needs
3Ease of operation
If repellent-treated feed is provided in alternative areas, then geese are attracted to tolerated areas away from undesirable locations, but the need for feed storage and distribution infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feeder system serves multiple functions: it stores repellent-treated feed, dispenses feed at timed intervals, monitors its own operational status, and can be relocated to different alternative areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components for each task
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the location in which herbivore fowl populations congregate by altering the behavior of the fowl through the combination of providing a strong disincentive to populate areas where the presence of the fowl is not desired and a strong incentive to populate a proximate area where the presence of fowl can be tolerated. For herbivore waterfowl, and in particular Canada geese, the adjacent area also provides the waterfowl with a means of egress to water as an escape from predators and other perceived threats. The method uses a deterrent in the form of adulterated feed to dissuade the herbivore fowl from congregating in areas in which their presence is not desired and the use of an attractant in the form of non-adulterated feed to encourage the herbivore fowl to congregate in a proximate area in which their presence can be tolerated.