This likely won’t work with larger adult birds because they can’t open their wings enough to fly out. [2] X Trustworthy Source The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth’s biological diversity through research and education about birds Go to source
If the bird isn’t injured, once it gets into the fireplace it will see the open doors and windows and make a break for it. If the bird is injured, toss a towel over it, then pick it up and place it in a box. Call a local vet or wildlife rescue to help the bird. Never dump an injured bird outside. The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council has a global directory of wildlife rehabilitators you can use to find a wildlife rescue near you.
While you could potentially call a pest control service or a chimney sweep, a wildlife rescue is your better option. Their job is to care for the bird and—perhaps more importantly—they won’t charge you for their services.
Birds are opportunistic creatures. These deterrents might keep birds from nesting in your chimney by making it seem less convenient or attractive to them. Scent and sound deterrents don’t work forever, but they can convince the bird to find a better place to lay its eggs so you have time to put more permanent preventive measures in place.
In some areas, only wildlife control professionals can remove nests of protected bird species, even if they’re already empty or abandoned. Your chimney sweep will let you know if this is the case where you live. Migratory birds don’t reuse the same nests, and they don’t necessarily return to the same spot to nest every year—but they will if it’s convenient. Talk to your chimney sweep about permanent preventive measures that will keep them from coming back.
For extra protection, cover the opening of the chimney with a 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) mesh screen to keep the birds out. Chimney caps also protect your chimney from the elements, so they’re just generally a good thing to have—especially if you use your fireplace on a regular basis during cooler weather.
Set a regular appointment with your favorite chimney sweep to come every year to clean and inspect your chimney and cap, and you won’t have to worry about birds nesting there. Regardless of whether you have birds, clean your chimney at least once a year so you can continue to use your fireplace safely.
Bird spikes keep all birds off of your roof, not just the ones that are likely to end up in your chimney. Chimney caps are a more selective option in that they just keep the birds out of your chimney but allow them to land on your roof.
Don’t attempt to use your fireplace at all if there are birds or nesting materials in your chimney—the nesting materials could start a house fire.
Lighting a fire in the fireplace with nesting materials in the chimney is a fire hazard. It could also cause significant smoke damage to your home if the nest is completely blocking the chimney.
