Birds Down The Chimney

[Prudie]

I got home from work yesterday to find a jackdaw in my conservatory. That's the 4th one in about 3 months that's come down the chimney. Who do you call to fit one of those things - a sweep or a builder?

[DTCwordfan]

I'm not surprised, Balders.... a cracker here.... https://www.thecleanzine.com/pages/8209/ladder_exchange_looks_at_safe_use_with_idiots_on_ladders_contest/

[-Talbot-]

I thought you were more than 'happy' to go up a ladder, Baldric?

Head over heels in fact.

[Baldric]

I certainly found the quick way down ;o(

[Prudie]

That's a nice clip ZM, you can see why they have that witch's familiar air about them though, as with all the crow family.
We are clearly going to have to get a builder - of any sex, nationality or size.

[Zacs-Master]

Oh, go on then I’ll go up your flue.

[DTCwordfan]

just anybody with a ladder, Prudie - drains and gutter person perhaps, a roofer? - which reminds me to fix my junction funnel tomorrow, outside the bathroom - a short ladder for that.

[Chipchopper]

Dick Van Dyke....or a real chimney sweep.

[ummmm]

My son is a roofer I'll ask him when he gets out of his pit.

[ubasses]

In the meantime, while you are getting a permanent solution, you can get chimney cushions or chimney felts, the birds will still get down, but you can control how you free them. It will at least prevent them spreading soot everywhere.

[weecalf]

Get drain or chimney extension brushes gently push up chimney the said bird will cadge a lift to the top .

[Prudie]

That's interesting ubasses, I was wondering if there was some way to stop them coming out, at least until I'm home. The last one was dead on the carpet and was probably scared out of its wits until it died (cats in house). Are they actually called cushions, I'll do a search.

[ladybirder]

Wouldn't a fireguard keep it caged until you could release it Prudie, just until you get a permanent solution?

[Prudie]

That's a really good idea LB I'd not thought of, I'm sure we have one in the loft! (although it's an open chimney we have a gas fitted fake fire in).

[ladybirder]

Oh good, glad you've got one. Be nice if it was one of those you can fix in place or even tie in place, as your cats would soon pull it over if they see a bird the other side. But then you've probably figured that out for yourself;-)

[The Builder]

You just need one of these, Pruders.............

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ybs-chimney-birdguard-aluminium-stainless-steel-240-x-310mm/50130?tc=RB7&ds_kid=92700034758261255&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&;ds_rl=1249407&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1249481&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhq_g_-WL4AIVxbTtCh2h_QDVEAYYAiABEgK4cPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Very east to fit. No trouble with your roof. Thatch is at least 45 degrees pitch, so any builder would simply run a ladder up right from the ground. No slates to break either :o)

[The Builder]

Ahem ................. ^^^^ "easy" to fit

[ubasses]

Both types here Prudie,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&;field-keywords=chimney+pillow.
Re the fireguard idea, you would need a sturdy one, preferably one that you can fix in place. The bird just knocked ours over in it's panic.

[Tilly2]

The one in Builders link says 'not suitable for gas'.

[Tilly2]

^ Builder's ^

[Tilly2]

Here's the other one...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ybs-anti-downdraught-chimney-cowl-aluminium-stainless-steel-140-x-310mm/67341