{{gwi:1157151}}

It sounds like a reasonable idea. Covering the whole garden would be ideal but also a hassle and more expensive. If you can make a frame to just cover the plants you are worried about, then that would be the next best thing. If the birds leave your plants alone when they are bigger, then maybe using a tomato would work fine. One thing to consider though regarding your guard dog. If he isn't interested in actively chasing the birds, then they will eventually ignore him. I have a bird feeder on my deck and I let my dog out there all the time. The birds naturally fly off when I let him out. But after several minutes, if the dog lays down and stays still, the birds return until the dog moves again...sometimes a half hour or more. He will even watch the birds as they fly in and out. You need a "bird dog".
Bruce

Are there bird feeders nearby? It sounds odd, but, I'm thinking "what do sparrow's like?". If you offer them something that they like better, maybe they'll leave your peppers alone. It could either work great, or attract a whole new flock of pepper lovers or have no change. But, if there are already feeders nearby, it may be worth a try.

Otherwise, your plan sounds good to me.

Thanks guys for the replies. I had to laugh at the first one with the cat. Unfortunately we already have two dogs: a yorkie and the new lab so getting another pet is out of the question. Even if we did i'd have no idea to keep that cat in the garden.

The idea from tsheets is an interesting one. My neighbors have a bird feeder but its about 20 feet from the garden. Not sure if they keep it full all the time. I definitely would do that if it would keep the sparrows from destroying my peppers but like tsheets stated it could help or make the problem that much worse

Sorry, my post was more tongue in cheek that a recommended solution, although, if you had birds in the garden you wouldn't have to worry about keeping the cat there.

tsheets idea is a valid one. A couple of years ago I had a chipmunk that was wreaking havoc in our garden. After doing the plastic owl thing, spreading blood meal around, nailing him with the pressure washer every time I had a chance, we came to a truce. I kept a small bowl of peanuts out front daily and he stayed out of the back yard ;-)

Here is another interesting idea i found where you could protect your whole garden rather than plant by plant:

Here is a link that might be useful: ehow

I used to have problems with squirrels, but I used one to teach my dog to chase them, and put the rest in my freezer :D

I am growing more pepper plants this season, I hope I don't have this issue with birds, if I do, I will spend a day on the weekend, grab my boys air soft gun and pop them birds with the plastic BB's aught to keep them away ;-) but your Bird tomato cage netting may be the route to go.

I prefer the Remington 870 .20 gauge.

Remington works... I have a 1000fps breach barrel pellet gun... Its quite accurate, doesn't bother the neighbors, and takes down anything the size of a duck or smaller with one well placed shot.

I'd recommend getting a real hawk.

I encourage birds in my garden. they've never damaged my plants, and when i sow corn, I make sure to net over it until it's well established.

I also have a bath and a feeder nearby, so they normally only go in there for bugs, which is fine with me.

-Rathos