Bird flapping in the chimney!

[CuddyMum]

I can hear a bird flapping around in the chimney - any ideas how to get the bugger out? I have an open fireplace. Thank you :)

My Mum had one once and called a Wildlife Rescue Charity for ideas - luckily there's one about 15 miles from her. They actually came out and got the bird out themselves. Even if you haven't got one close, you could phone one for ideas or ask if they know anyone more local who could help.

We had this. It eventually came out into the living room! Call RSPCA ?

My specialist subject! Pigeons fornicate on the chimney top then one (or occasionally both of them) fall down the chimney. Chimneys have a bend in them that slopes so the bird balances on this, flapping wings, till it is so tired it falls down (usually several hours).

What to do. Shut door to room (you don't want it flying round the house). Remove precious ornaments etc. Arm self with towel. When bird finally falls down chimney it will be tired and easy to catch in towel. Carry outside and release. Be thankful you were in when this occurred - if you do not release it soon it flies around knocking stuff over and shitting everywhere.

Good luck

We had a seagull fall down ours - they nest on top round here and the juveniles fall down. And get stuck. We had to call the RSPCA. For the future our landlord put special covers over the chimmney to stop it again.

Listen to honu

What hound said. On a positive note it does clear your chimney nicely. Do get a cover though, we once went on Hols and a blasted bird fell down the chimney a do n our return there were copious amounts of crap everywhere and the bird was dead. Poor thing.

Honu, not hound, apologies.

Woke up on Sunday morning and found a crow casually sitting on the arm chair. No mess! We casually carried him outside and he flew off. Chimney sweep said he couldn't fit bird guards as the house is too high and we have slate roof. He'd need a cherry picker (£££). Am exploring maintenance companies who own their own cherry pickers to see if they'll do it for me. :)

A roofer will fit a bird guard without needing a crane.

Yes roofers will fit bird guards.
Have had this done after we also had a bird which got into the house while we were away and it died, it really upset me so made it a priority to get guards put on.
Glad it resolved itself OP.

Yep next job is to find a nice roofer person to fit the guards. Not only to save future visitors to the chimney but also to stop them filling the chimney with twigs!

Bird guard all fitted by a local roofer (not cheap). The birds are hanging around the chimney pots going a bit mental. Hope they bugger off soon.