Bird nest slowed down my job today, how do you deal with them?

I was cleaning a chimney and found a bird nest stuck in the flue. It took me extra time to remove it safely without harming any birds lol. What's your method for handling nests and keeping them from coming back?

3 comments

3 Comments

robertc441mo ago

Actually, I was the same way before. I used to just knock nests out quickly to save time, not worrying about the birds. Then one fell apart mid-removal and left a bunch of chicks sitting in the soot, which was a real hassle. @victor_davis17 is spot on with the gloves and bag approach, way less mess. I started using chimney caps after that, and it does stop them from coming back. Turns out taking the extra minute saves you from repeat visits.

mark_anderson1mo ago

Sounds like you learned the hard way that birds don't appreciate fast demolition work. The glove and bag method is definitely the move for avoiding a feathery disaster. A chimney cap is just the final "no vacancy" sign they need.

victor_davis171mo ago

You said you removed it safely without harming birds, that's the right way to do it. I deal with nests by wearing thick gloves and gently pulling them apart into a bag. To keep birds from coming back, you gotta block the entrance with a chimney cap or some wire mesh. Those caps are cheap and easy to put on. Just make sure no birds are inside before you cover it up. Once it's sealed, they'll find another spot to nest.