Bird trapped behind fireplace-what do I do?

[imnotprincessbubblegum]

Hello,
I realise this isn't pet related but I couldn't find an appropriate place to post. I could hear a lot of noise behind our electric fire and managed to locate a tiny gap and flash a light there and spotted a bird. I've immediately taken the flash off and moved away from the fireplace as don't want to spook it. Not idea how to tell if it's stuck? Assume so, it may have fallen down the chimney? There was a lot of movement earlier so I'm thinking it was trying to get out but couldn't perhaps? Or do bird like nesting in fireplaces? Ahh sorry, question is who do I call to help the bird assuming it is stuck? Did a quick internet search and it wasn't very helpful at all, hoping someone can advice here.

It is most likely trapped. Unless it a very small bird or a large flue it probably won't be able to fly back up.

No idea who you should call. I'd have a go at getting it out myself.

Phone a chimney sweep for advice. They'd know about capping the chimney, too.

We get birds falling down our chimney occasionally. We have a gas fire that we never use cos it's crap, and a fire guard.

When this happens, we prop a window open and use the curtains to cover the un-opened bits of window, then we remove the fireguard and get out of the room while the bird finds its way out.

But all that depends on the bottom of the chimney being open to the room, so that when we remove the fireguard the bird can just come out. It doesn't sound like yours is like that. Is it possible to remove the electric fire from in front of the fireplace?

@picklemewalnuts

Phone a chimney sweep for advice. They'd know about capping the chimney, too.

Yes, I should get mine capped. We are worried it will happen when we're on holiday. If we ever get to go on holiday again.

It's out!!! Managed to unscrew the fireplace and pull it forwards without going near any electrical stuff, bird has flown off. Ah I'm so relieved. RSPB was closed. Will definitely have to contact someone re having chimney covered, I thought it already was but obviously not if that little one got down there.

Phew!

Well done OP 😀

I would call the RSPCA for advice.

Good work, OP!

Oops, sorry, that’ll teach me for not reading 😊
Well done!