Live Bird in Chimney? Poole Chimney Sweep to the Rescue

Got a feathery visitor stuck in your chimney in Poole? Don't fret! As your local Poole chimney sweep expert, I know how unsettling it can be to find a live bird trapped in your chimney, stack, flue, or liner. It's a tricky situation for both you and the bird, but with a calm approach, you can safely guide the bird back to freedom.

Bird Stuck in chimney 

Here’s a 10-step guide from your trusted Poole chimney sweep to help you remove a live bird from your chimney:

What You'll Need to Remove a Live Bird From Your Chimney

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

• Large Box: Something big enough to fit inside your fireplace opening.
• Stiff Cardboard Sheet: Ensure it's larger than the opening of your box.
• Torch: To help encourage the bird out.
• Mirror: Useful for looking up the chimney.
• Sheets: To protect your carpets and furniture from soot and mess.
• Towel: For safely catching the bird if it gets into the room.
• Broom: To gently guide the bird.
• Gloves: For protection when handling the bird.

How to Safely Remove a Live Bird From Your Chimney

• Locate the Bird: Carefully peek inside your chimney. Use your torch and mirror to get a better view if needed and pinpoint the bird's location.

• For Wood Burners: Sometimes the bird might be sitting on the baffle. You'll need to remove this to get to the bird. Look up your stove's manual for guidance on how it's assembled. This usually involves moving a metal or vermiculite baffle left or right and potentially removing side bricks.

• For Open Fires: The bird is usually sitting on the shelf, often within arm's reach.

Open the Damper: If your fireplace has one, ensure the damper is fully open.

Contain the Room: Close all doors leading from the room to the rest of your house. This is crucial to prevent the bird from flying into other areas if it escapes the chimney.

Protect Your Space: Lay down sheets around the fireplace area to protect your carpets and furniture from any soot or debris the bird might dislodge.

Set the Trap: Turn on your torch and place it inside the large box, with the open side facing up.

Position the Box: Carefully place the box inside the chimney opening. You might need to prop it up with another box so there's a small gap between the top of the box and the highest point of the fireplace opening. The idea is to make the torch-lit box the most appealing escape route for the bird.

Alternative for Open Fires (if the bird is on the shelf): Wear gloves. You can gently place your hand on the shelf, allowing the bird to get used to your presence. Then, slowly slide your hand under the bird. It will often grab hold of your hand like a branch with its feet. This way, you can maneuver the bird sideways to come out of the gap between the shelf and the fire opening.

Create Silence: Turn off any TVs, radios, and keep talking to a minimum. A quiet environment will encourage the bird to move towards the light and into the box.

Capture the Bird: Once the bird enters the box, gently slide the cardboard sheet over the opening, trapping the bird inside.

Relocate Outdoors: Carefully remove the box, with the bird inside, from the chimney and take it directly outside.

Release: Once outside, remove the cardboard top from the box to set the bird free.

What to Do if the Bird is Already in Your Room
If the bird has already made its way into your living space, follow these steps:

Isolate the Room: Close all interior doors to prevent the bird from flying into other parts of your house.

Open to the Outside: Open all windows and doors leading directly to the outside.

Create an Exit Light: Turn off interior lights to make the room darker than the outside, encouraging the bird to fly towards the natural light. If it's dark outside, turn on an exterior light near an open exit.

Guide or Catch:

• Guide: Gently use the broom to guide the bird towards an open window or door.
• Catch: If you can, slowly and carefully throw a towel over the bird to trap it. Then, gently pick up the towel with the bird inside and take it outside to release it.

Has a Bird Nested in Your Chimney?

If you suspect birds have built a nest in your chimney, it's crucial not to disturb it immediately. 

Many bird species are protected by law, especially during nesting season. 

The best time to address a chimney nest is at the end of the bird season, typically in September, once the nest is no longer active. At this point, it's safe and legal to book your Poole chimney sweep to remove the unused nest.

For professional chimney sweeping in Poole or expert advice on chimney maintenance, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to help keep your chimney clear and safe!

How to Prevent Future Bird Incidents with a Chimney Cowl

Once you've safely rehomed your feathered visitor, you'll definitely want to prevent it from happening again. The best long-term solution to stop birds from getting into and nesting in your chimney is to have a chimney cowl fitted.

A chimney cowl, often that hooded contraption perched right on top of your chimney pot, offers a surprising range of benefits beyond just keeping birds out. It acts as a proper shield against rain, sleet, and snow, stopping moisture build-up that can damage your chimney lining and lead to rather costly repairs. 

Most importantly for what you've just been through, a cowl with a mesh screen specifically keeps unwanted guests like birds and squirrels out, preventing future blockages and potential fire hazards from their nests and debris.

Beyond just seeing off the birds, a properly designed cowl helps prevent downdraughts that can blow smoke back into your home, ensuring a smooth and efficient draw for better airflow and a cleaner, more efficient burn. This translates to a cosier fire and potentially reduced fuel consumption.

With a chimney cowl in place, you can relax knowing your chimney is protected from the elements, unwanted critters, and potential fire risks, giving you peace of mind all year round.

As your local Poole chimney sweep, I can assess your specific chimney needs, and recommend the most suitable cowl for optimal performance. I'll make sure it's fitted securely and properly for lasting benefits, protecting your chimney and helping you enjoy a trouble-free fireplace.

For the Jim Chim-in-ey's latest sweeping and cowl fitting prices visit:

https://www.jimchimney.co/p/prices.html

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum, Wimborne, Christchurch and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

How to Help a Lost Bird Stuck in Your Bournemouth or Poole Chimney

Spring is finally here! But with longer days and open windows, birds become more active, and sometimes, a little too curious. 

You might find a lost bird stuck in your chimney. Don't worry, here's a guide on how to safely remove it, why they might end up there, and how to prevent future incidents:

The Feathered Fiasco:

1. Gain Access: If you have a wood burner, you may need to remove the throat slash baffle plate to access the flue. With an open fireplace, look up the chimney to see if the bird is perched on a shelf.

Helping the Lost Soul Escape:

• Lure it Down: Once you locate the bird, place tempting food like bread and water near the bottom of the chimney opening. This might entice it to descend to a reachable position.

• Light the Way: Shine a lamp or torch at the bottom of the fire to encourage the bird to move down towards the light source.

• Patience is Key: Leave the room and create a calm environment. Loud noises and activity can further disorient the bird.

Bournemouth Chimney Sweep's Bird Nest Removal

Below you will find the Chimney Sweep's Birds Nest Calendar.

If you have a birds nest in your chimney then it is recommended that you wait until August/September which is the beginning of the chimney sweeping season to remove the birds nest. This is to avoid disturbing nesting birds which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Jim Chim-in-ey is fully equipped to safely remove even the toughest of birds nest from your chimney and Jim's sweeping area includes Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Dorset. To remove the birds nest Jim uses the latest power sweeping tools to remove the nest from the chimney and with CCTV on-board, Jim can ensure the chimney stack is clear and safe operations.

Nest removal prices start from £77.00 and includes a chimney sweep certificate for insurance purposes.

Beat the chimney sweep winter rush!

Book in your nest removal & sweep today,
call Jim on 07837 672 548.
For more ways to contact Jim ,visit his Contact Page Here.

Bournemouth Chimney Sweep's Bird Nest Calendar.

I still need the birds nest removed during the bird season?

Being a bird lover, Jim does not facilitate the removal of nests in season and would always recommend waiting until August/ September.

If the removal of the nest must be completed during the bird nesting season, then a breeding bird survey must be carried out by a professional and their advice taken prior to any work commencing.

Breaking the Countryside Act 1981 will result in a fine of up to £5000.00 or up to 6 months in prison.

For more info regarding on the Countryside Act 1981 please visit my previous article - The UK Law that is protecting wild birds.

Reference: Bird Nesting Advice Note PDF

Recommended article: How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

______________________________

Call Jim to book your Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset Chimney Sweep Today

Recommended article: Five reasons to book Jim as your Dorset chimney sweep?

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

How to stop birds nesting in your chimney

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Seven

Birds nesting in chimney

Installing a cowl with a bird guard is the most effective way to stop birds gaining access to your flue.

It's worth bearing in mind that some designs such a No.2 below make sweeping more difficult and on some occasions the bird guard may need removing to ensure a clear sweep.

Bird protecting chimney pot cowls

In short, select a bird guards that is attached with a jubilee style clip like No.1 above so your chimney sweep can sweep all the way to the top and the guard will stay in her position.

For a guide on selecting an appropriate bird nest guard, click the article link below . . .

Link - Cowls & Birdguards from a chimney sweeps point of view

Recommended article: How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

The chimney sweeps bird nest removal calendar

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Six

Below you will find the Chimney Sweep's bird nesting calendar.

If you have an active birds nest in your chimney then it is recommended that you wait until August to remove your birds nest. This is to avoid impact to nesting birds and infringement of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

If the nest removal must be undertaken during the nesting season, then a breeding bird survey needs to be carried out by a suitably qualified person, prior to the work commencing.

Any active nests identified should be protected until the young have fledged.

Breaching the Countryside Act 1981 can result in a fine of up to £5000.00 or up to 6 months in prison.

For more information on the Countryside Act 1981 please visit my previous article - The UK Law that is protecting wild birds.

Reference: Bird Nesting Advice Note PDF

Chimney Sweep's Bird Nesting Calendar

Recommended article: How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

How Jim Chim-in-ey investigates a suspected birds nest in a chimney.

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Five

• Visual inspection from inside the flue.
• Visual inspection of stack, pot and cowl from the outside of the property.
• CCTV inspection from the inside of flue.
• Roof inspection from the external agency if required.
• Refer to the chimney sweep's bird nesting calendar for what work can be carried out in line with The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
• If inactive, then the nest can be removed.
• If active, then an appropriate date to commence the work will be advised.

How Jim Chim-in-ey removes a birds nest?

There is two options I use to remove a bird's nest. The traditional hook & rod method or the power sweep & cable method. Both of which allow me to tackle nests in most varieties of chimney.

Why is it so important to protect wild birds?

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Four

I met up with professional Ecologist, Edward Parrott to find out why it is so important to not disturb wild bird nests in season.

“Many birds within the UK have suffered dramatic population declines in recent decades. This has been for numerous reasons including loss of habitat, restriction in food supply, and even direct persecution by people. Finding a suitable site, collecting materials and building a nest, attracting a mate, laying eggs, incubating the eggs and feeding and defending chicks from predators takes an enormous amount of time and energy for bird. They’re at their most vulnerable when they’re on their nest and it’s really important that they are not disturbed so that they can complete their life cycle.”

Useful links
Rspb.org.uk

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

The UK Law that is protecting wild birds.

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Three

The Bird Law

What the law means to chimney sweeping and removing your nest.

If a nest is discovered, then we must adhere to The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Breaking this act can result in fines of up to £5000.00 or up to 6 months in prison.

The basic protection in writing.

All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law and it is thus an offence, with certain exceptions.

• intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird
• intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built 
• intentionally take or destroy the egg of any wild bird
• have in one's possession or control any wild bird, dead or alive, or any part of a wild bird, which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954 
• have in one's possession or control any egg or part of an egg which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954 
• use traps or similar items to kill, injure or take wild birds
• have in one's possession or control any bird of a species occurring on Schedule 4 of the Act unless registered, and in most cases ringed, in accordance with the Secretary of State's regulations (see Schedules) 
• intentionally or recklessly disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.  

Information source ‘Protection of Birds Act 1954’

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

The two most common birds to nest in your Dorset chimney.

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article Two

What birds are likely to nest in your Dorset Chimney?

Jackdaw - Corvus monedula
A smart looking, black, medium sized bird in the same family as crows and rooks. They can be distinguished by the sheen of the feathers on the back of their head and their pale blue eyes.

Jackdaws are by far the most common bird to nest in chimneys in the UK. They like to make nests out of 2 layers with the first being made of flexible sticks. The way they build their nest is quite ingenious - they take the middle of the stick in their beaks and force it down the chimney so that the edges bend upwards. They proceed down the chimney this way until the stick either gets stuck, or slips and falls down to the fireplace. Once a stick has become lodged in the flue, they gather more sticks and force them down to the same point. The tension in the sticks forms a solid weight-bearing base for the nest, themselves and their chicks. The second layer is made up of anything they can find to fill the gaps and insulate the nest.

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
A small, mostly brown, highly sociable bird that goes ‘cheep’ a lot.

They like to perch in bushes and trees around houses and also like to nest close to one another. House sparrows might seem common enough but are in fact on the ‘red list’ on RSPB’s birds of conservation concern as they have suffered an estimated 71% decline in numbers between 1977 and 2008. House sparrows are unlikely to nest in your chimney and are much more likely to nest in your attic, eaves, in a nest box in the garden, or even amongst ivy growing on your house.

A thank you from Jim Chim-in-ey

I would like to thank Ecologist, Edward Parrott for taking the time to share his knowledge and expertise for this fantastic insite into Dorset birds..

Useful links
Rspb.org.uk

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!

How to tell if I have a birds nest in my chimney?

Dorset Chimney Bird Nest Guide: Article One

The bird signs to look out for!

1. Your updraught change and become weak.
2. Your room may start to smoke.
3. You can hear the sound of birds coming from your fireplace.
4. Your are finding twigs or dry grass in your fireplace.
5. You have seen a bird regularly visiting your chimney stack.
6. Some birds like to use the same nesting spot each year, so if you have had a birds nest in your chimney in the past, it's likely to nest there again!

Recommended article: #7 ways to tell if your firewood is seasoned and ready to burn

______________________________

This article was written by Jim Chim-in-ey, 

An insurance approved chimney sweep 

JC sweeps all open fires, wood burners and stoves.

Covering Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford Forum and Dorset.

Want to have your chimney swept?

Contact JC Today!