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How do I free a bird?

Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
in Problem solving
Callum is creati g havoc up at our place, a silly young crow has fallen through the absi,Ute ly guaranteed secure chimney pot. He has fallen as far as our bedroom and if he follows previous birds will end up in the wood burner in the sitting g room. (Not lit)
he is making a bit of a racket untim I clap my hands and all goes quiet for a while

It could be hours before he lands a floor down. All suggestions welcome ☹️
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
A A Milne
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Posts

  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    Please forgive typos, eyes not perfect yet
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,078
    Oh 'eck ... it's going to make a mess!   Is the chimney fully lined?  Is he within the lining (stove pipe) or is he in the larger chimney space?

    Have you got a soot door in the chimney? (possibly near to where the stove pipe goes up into the chimney itself).  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,361
    If there is no other way can you place anything wire or cage like in front of the wood burner and leave the door of it (burner) open. Would it make it lighter or could you leave a light or torch or lamp so it looks brighter, maybe it will guide it that way.
    Leave the room /be quiet so it is less frightened.
    Sorry probably not much use. Or if the kind of thing you are looking for.
    I have used plastic clematis mesh and wire to hold it together to form a makeshift cage before now to catch a bird.

    Failing that sspca to see if they can offer help.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,078
    Whatever you do don't leave the wood burner door open without putting some sort of cage in front of it ... you do not want a soot covered bird all over your furnishings and wallpaper  :o

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    The chimney is lined on the wood burner below, problem is where we think it’s stuck where the chimney shoulders are? One side is therefore lined and not  the other. If it has gone down the wrong  side there is not much we can do!

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,078
    Is there a 'plate' of fireproof material across the bottom of the chimney that the stove pipe goes up through?  

    It's sometimes possible to unscrew the fixings for this and then lower the plate.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    Yes oh says there is, but he is not prepared to do that as it is never used except by sweep and even he hardly ever. This wood burner is only used when we have family parties. We have decided to adopt a wait and see for the moment🤞🤞🤞
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,078
    Papa Womble was a builder specialising in working on old farmhouse-type properties ... he often worked on houses with large chimneys with woodburning stoves ... he was sometimes called out to free trapped birds from chimneys ... sometimes it's cheaper to call the sweep and get him to free the bird and sweep the chimney at the same time.

    One thing is certain ... if the bird is trapped and expires there get it out asap ... you don't want maggots dropping down through the cracks into the fireplace ... I've known that happen and it's not nice.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,942
    LP - I'd think getting a chimney sweep in is the best solution. Doesn't sound like he/she will release him/herself easily.  :/
    After securing everything so that you don't get sooty bird flying out, as Dove says.  :#
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    edited October 2018
    We have  tried to find a way of securing a net over the opening, this is not a woodburner
    Purely ornamental. In other words u s
    phoned chimney sweep, voice mail, phoned local RSPB rep ( we are a designated water fowl area) no reply, and isn’t a gamekeeper to be seen anywhere
    room is all dustsheeted up, taken us ages and now to gone quiet   Brrrrrrrrrrr🤔
    I try to keep everything alive, hate this
    may have to sleep in other room tonight!
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
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