Düsseldorf's Rhine Railway Enforces Exceptional Safeguards for Humans and Animals

Nestled at the edge of the Rheinbahn depot in Lierenfeld, Düsseldorf, stands a unique structure known as the Pingevogelhaus. This building, named after the Berlin Vogelschau where "Pingevogel" is a well-known term for Wellensittiche, serves a dual purpose as a functional workshop and a home for over 100 pigeons.

The concept and construction of the entire Rheinbahn Depot Lierenfeld were a collaborative effort between various architecture and engineering firms, the city of Düsseldorf, and the Rheinbahn AG. In large-scale projects such as a tram depot, it's common for major architectural firms to work in partnership with city officials.

While the specific individuals responsible for the design and construction of the Pingevogelhaus remain unnamed in publicly accessible sources, you can reach out to the Rheinbahn AG directly to inquire about the responsible architect or team. Alternatively, you can research in the city archives of Düsseldorf or in specialist literature on the U-Bahn and tramway expansion in Düsseldorf. Young architecture projects are often documented in architecture magazines or on the websites of the involved firms.

Once the pigeons have become accustomed to their new home, they will start breeding. Monika Piasetzky, chairperson of the Düsseldorf Animal Protection Association, supports this measure and hopes that other companies will follow Rheinbahn's example.

Rheinbahn board member Michael Richarz is pleased with the solution, stating it effectively protects employees from urban pigeon droppings while meeting the needs of the pigeons and complying with animal welfare standards. The pigeon house, built according to the "Augsburg model," is elevated and has point foundations and a ground clearance of 50 centimeters to deter access by rats, mice, and other unwanted animals.

A special large acclimatization cage at the pigeon house allows the pigeons to familiarize themselves with their new home and enjoy light, air, and sun. The daily care and feeding of the pigeons will be done voluntarily by animal-loving Rheinbahn employees. Motor-driven conveyor belts run under the nesting boxes and perches for the daily removal of droppings, and a photovoltaic system mounted on the roof generates power for the motors.

The pigeons will be moved into the pigeon house using live traps and transported from the workshop and storage halls. As soon as they lay eggs, these will be replaced with decoys to limit reproduction. The pigeons will be locked in the pigeon house for approximately three months to get used to their new environment and start building nests.

The Pingevogelhaus, which cost around 50,000 euros, addresses the pollution problems caused by pigeon droppings in the Rheinbahn's Lierenfeld depot. By implementing the "Augsburg model," the pigeon problem is being effectively addressed, and the well-being of both employees and pigeons is being prioritized.