How to Prevent Birds Nesting in Chimneys
Many birds (especially crows and owls) like to nest in chimneys, and often return each year to the same place. It’s illegal to disturb birds that nest in chimneys, so the best idea is to prevent nesting in the first place.
If a bird is trapped in a chimney, turn off the gas/electricity to the fireplace, then create a dark quiet room with one open window or door, and place a bright torch at the hearth to lure it down, so it can fly out naturally (or catch it in a box to release).
Have your chimney swept once a year (when all birds have gone at end of season). Schedule chimney bird-proofing, cleaning, or repairs outside nesting months, usually late autumn or winter.
Don’t install insulation until you’re sure birds have moved on. For gas fires, you’ll need a qualified fitter to move your fireplace away from the chimney opening, to conduct any work.
Signs of nesting birds include droppings, twigs, leaves and feathers, or noise with visible entry holes. You can try shining a torch down the chimney using an angled mirror, to spot nests in low light or hard-to-reach areas, without disturbing birds.
Chimney cowls & caps can help prevent smoke blowing back into homes. These sit on your chimney pot to block birds, some with mesh covers to keep small birds out, without blocking airflow. Install correctly so oxygen can circulate.
Make sure your cowl fits well on your chimney top. A loose cowl can let birds slip in or get damaged by wind. Check your cowl regularly for rust, damage or blockages from leaves. Cleaning it once a year keeps it effective.
Helping Stray or Orphaned Birds
Check if the birds need rescuing (many fledgling birds learning to fly, have parents nearby). If there is no sign, look around for a nest and gently place the chick back inside.
If you don’t see the parents for an hour or more, intervention may be needed. If the bird is injured or too young with few/no feathers to place in a high tree to safely observe, call your local wildlife rescue. Include the location where you found the bird, a description of its condition and the species, if known.
Place the chick in a small box lined with a soft cloth (no tassels on towels), and keep in a warm spot away from children, pets and noise. Do not feed the bird or give water. Rescuers have training to care for the bird properly (do not handle the bird unless necessary).
